James A. Trotta
2019 Kenneth E. McNary Award:
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 began as a social member in January, 1975, and 11 days later, transferred to become an active member of our Department. He was halfway into his senior year at Bethlehem Central High School at the time, and since then, has been a true example of the characteristics worthy of this award. After joining Elsmere 44 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. His worldly skills and knowledge continue to make him a tremendous asset particularly at a call when the crew may be young, but his knowledge is plentiful. He enjoys lending his experience to our younger members and even our officers when he notices something isn’t quite right, or a procedure isn’t being followed. He believes in following the rules, and he lives by one rule; “Follow the rules!”
In 1988, his work required him to leave the area but his heart and passion for Elsmere never did. After 15 years, he returned home and is dedication and passion for volunteering and his friends at Elsmere has kept the fire burning in him. This passion is deeply rooted in his family as his brother is also a member at Elsmere. His high level of commitment to Elsmere does not end with his firematic skills. Our recipient also possesses tremendous administrative skills. He was elected Company Director in 1984, and served as a Board member for 12 years. He then decided to take on more administrative responsibilities and served as Company President for 5 years, leading us as we continued to grow and face the ever changing and sometimes complex challenges associated with running a large volunteer association. Many of the policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines currently in place today include his guiding hand and wise input. Over his almost two decades in office, he has voted on many issues and concerns that typically arise in volunteer organizations, and his commitment and dedication to the Elsmere Fire Company has been unwavering in each instance. After leaving the office of President, he was again elected as Director for another three-year term, which ensured a smooth transition for the following administration. Upon leaving his civil position, he filled a much needed position as District Quartermaster, and for the next several years, worked tirelessly to ensure that all of our equipment and gear were up to date, in service and inventoried. Our records are impeccable, and whether it’s for an audit, our insurance carrier, New York State or even our ISO rating, he is able to produce the necessary and required documents to satisfy any request. Even with all of his administrative duties which he served with the highest and best ethics and morals, he never forgets his number one priority, and that is to serve the residents of the Elsmere Fire District with honor, dignity and the best fire prevention and suppression methods possible.
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 this true professional, James Trotta, as this year’s recipient of the Kenneth McNary Award.