FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Each year the American Legion Blanchard Post 1040 honors a firefighter of the year at their March business meeting. Each of the fire departments in the Town of Bethlehem has an opportunity to present a candidate for this award. We are proud of the Elsmere firefighters that been honored over the years. Each is listed below.

Timothy C. Hannigan

2023

Hannigan tim 3

This award has been given over the years for a variety of reasons; performance on emergency incidents, general leadership, helping other members of the department, and an overall positive attitude toward the department, its members, and the public, but the systemic theme is the high level of dedication to the residents we serve, commitment to the training we receive, and continuous acts of selflessness.

Our awardee this year displays all these characteristics and consistently goes above and beyond his call to duty. He sets the standard and is a role model for all members of our organization. His wealth of knowledge, hard work and experience is something that you simply cannot replace. He symbolizes what the fire service stands for and is a leader by example. As a steadfast member of the department for over 20 years, he best exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the Elsmere Fire Company and has a notable record of service and achievements. This individual has given selflessly of himself in support of the department, the fire service in general and the community.

Our awardee has continually demonstrated the highest degree of dedication to activities within in our fire department including training, fire response, public education, and other fire department operations. His dedication to our fire department is unwavering, and is displayed in every activity he participates in.

Our awardee this year demonstrates his loyalty not only in his allegiance to Elsmere Fire, but also to his fellow fighters and officers. Our awardee supports his officer’s efforts to achieve the goals of the fire service, and assists them with creating policies and procedures aimed at improvements in the department or fire service community. Additionally, he performs his fire service duties in a manner that exemplifies the competency that reflects the highest standards of the fire service and regularly demonstrates the ability to lead or follow based on the existing circumstances.

Throughout his time with the Elsmere Fire Department and particularly within the last year, this year’s recipient has demonstrated his dedication to the residents of both this town, and the great State of New York. A recent study conducted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) showed that volunteer service in New York State saves $4.7 billion a year. Recognizing this tremendous benefit to taxpayers, our awardee this year, was an integral part of the legislation recently passed that is arguably the most significant contribution to the recruitment of volunteer fire service members in at least the last 20 years. In addition, our awardee has helped our department receive numerous grants for recruitment, retention, and training purposes. He also ensures that our department operates with the highest moral and ethical standards by routinely providing and assisting with not only Elsmere’s procedures and policies, but also the Mandated NYS policies required for our members each year.

Our awardee is heavily involved in behind-the-scenes activities, particularly providing guidance and continuous acts of selfishness to many of our members. He has offered and provided legal support and advice to numerous members, and has gone beyond normal duties of firefighting to make visible improvements that have enhanced the department’s ability to reduce fire losses and to better serve the community. Our nominee was integral in the acquisition of 24 Ridge Road and the bunk-in program, which has provided additional manpower to our department, as well as the other outstanding departments in our town. His many contributions truly make Elsmere Fire a better place.

Ladies and gentlemen, for his dedicated service to both the Elsmere Fire department and for his profound service to the State of New York for helping create the Real Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters and ambulance workers, please join me in congratulating Tim Hannigan on being selected as Elsmere Fire Department’s Firefighter of the year.


Read More

Commissioner Joseph M Catalano

2022

Catalano j 3

Joseph M Catalano joined the Elsmere Fire Company as a social member in July of 1990. He transferred to active status in August of 1990 and remained active until January 1995. He remained a social member until September 2001 at which time his personal circumstances allowed him to rejoin as an active member. Our nominee served as Lay Chaplain for the Company in 1991, 1992, 2002, and from 2007 through the present time. He also served as a Company Director for a three year term starting in April 1992. The nominee served as Company Vice-President in 2003 and as President from 2004 through 2006 and again in 2012. In May of 2016, the nominee was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elsmere Fire District to fill an unexpired term and has served on the Board ever since. Joe is very active in the Fire Company serving on numerous committees. In 2012, Joe was awarded the Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award for his level of achievement and involvement in promoting the goals of the Elsmere Fire Company. In 2015, Joe earned the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award for his outstanding level of participation in Fire Company activities.


Read More

Lieutenant Michael A. Moon

2021

Moon m 2

The Elsmere Firefighter of the Year Award is typically presented in March at the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post 1040 annual Community Service Awards ceremony. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be announcing our 2021 nominee for the first time today...


Read More

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright

2020

Swright

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright was once again awarded Firefighter of the Year for the Elsmere Fire Company at an awards ceremony hosted by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post 1040 on March 2, 2020. Click Here to View the Nominating Letter .

Lieutenant Wright was also recognized with this award at a virtual awards ceremony at the Elsmere Fire Station on the evening of 9/24/2020.


Read More

Past President John C. Murphy

2019

Past President John C. Murphy was honored as Elsmere Fire Company's 2019 Firefighter of the Year at a ceremony conducted at the NA Blanchard Post #1040 on March 4, 2019....


Read More

Commissioner John E. Brennan

2018

J brennan

Commissioner John E Brennan was named Elsmere Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year for 2018....


Read More

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright

2017

17098179 10213093281152049 4687823527641956307 n

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright was honored at Elsmere Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year at ceremonies at the NA Blanchard Post #1040 on March 6, 2017.


Read More

Michael L. Taylor

2016

12803051 10208216633591088 303721733182922615 n-2

Fire Police Officer Michael L. Taylor joined the Elsmere Fire Company on June 25, 1970... 


Read More

Chief James Reagan and Firefighter James A. Trotta

2015

Img 0323

On Monday, March 2nd two Elsmere firefighters were awarded Forefighter of the Year at the N.A. Blanchard Post 1040. Chief James Reagan and Firefighter James Trotta were selected for this honor by the Elsmere Fire Company. Click the "Read More" link to see the letter of nomination....


Read More

Lieutenant Marc F. Futia

2014

Img 1223

Lieutenant Marc F. Futia received Elsmere Fire Company's Firefighter of the Year award at a ceremony hosted by Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 on March 3, 2014.


Read More

Page 1 of 5 pages  1 2 3 >  Last ›