Alan J. Antenucci
This award is presented annually to an individual whose performance best exemplifies the characteristics of Dedication, Professionalism, and Concern for fellow firefighters as well as maintaining the spirit of the Elsmere Fire Company by exhibiting a high level of commitment to the Fire Company and Community...
This year’s recipient has been an active member of our Company since 2006, and has been a testament to the characteristics worthy of this award. After joining Elsmere 15 years ago, he has seized every opportunity to develop himself and further his knowledge and skills to become the very best at what a firefighter does. After meeting with the membership committee in 2006, a call was placed to check his references. After an impressive 45-minute conversation outlining his abilities, strengths and dedication to service, we had high expectations and enthusiasm for this potential new member. After being voted in a month later, the Elsmere Fire Company quickly realized the gem we had gained. He continues to live up each word of that recommendation to this very day. His worldly skills and knowledge continue to make him a tremendous asset at fire calls and in formulating policy decisions.
About a year and a half ago all of our lives changed, virtually overnight. As the COVID-19 virus spread across our State and Country, many of us grew concerned and perhaps a little confused by the amount of information and opinions being thrown at us on a daily basis. Back then it seemed like things were changing by the day and our way of life was threatened. We all began wondering, how would we continue to serve our community as first responders and protect our families and friends. Fortunately, this was our recipient's wheel house, he was able to cut through much of the noise and provide our members with clear, concise and timely information to keep ourselves and loved ones safe. Due to his expertise and position with the New York State Department of Health, our recipient has been instrumental in helping safely guide the District and Company through this pandemic while still providing the same level of firefighting capabilities our community expects. He quickly became our go-to guy for anything COVID related. On several occasions he provided personal counsel to some of our members and their family members who ended up battling COVID-19. Most recently, he has been a strong vaccine advocate and trusted resource to our members. In large part due to his guidance, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and look forward to returning the Company to some semblance of normalcy.
His high level of commitment to Elsmere does not end with his firematic skills. Our recipient shared the same level of dedication in his administrative abilities. Although this year's recipient’s contributions to the Company were magnified this year, he had already established himself as an integral member of the Fire Company after he was elected to active membership back in 2006. He is a Kevin M. Shea Firematic Participation Award recipient. He served two years on the Board of Directors after being elected in 2016. Then in 2018 he was entrusted by the community and elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners. During his tenure as a Director, he was instrumental in getting the Bunk-in Program off the ground, serving as its' first Committee Chair. He is also our resident Hazmat expert and was heavily involved in Elsmere's Hazardous Material Response Team over the years. Many of the policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines currently in place today include his guiding hand and wise input.
As I stated earlier, this award requires three characteristics; Dedication, professionalism and Concern. Our recipient has demonstrated these traits throughout his entire tenure with Elsmere in what he says and what he does.
It is my great pleasure to present this special award to this distinct member; ladies and gentlemen, please join me in honoring Alan Antenucci as this year’s recipient of the Kenneth McNary Award.