Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award

Firefighter Charles F. Peters was awarded the 31st Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award as a virtual ceremony at the Elsmere Fire Station on September 24, 2020. Click the "Read More" link to view the letter outlining his accomplishments...

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 become an active member of our Department on April 27^th, 2017. He was already well into his firefighting carrier when he joined bringing his knowledge and experience to Elsmere. A longtime volunteer to his community in every aspect, and his proven dedication to the Elsmere Fire Department has been a true example of the characteristics worthy of this award. Before joining Elsmere, he had a long and successful tenure at the Slingerlands Fire Department where he was Captain of the rescue team, and 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 of building construction continue to make him a tremendous asset for training and fire calls. This passion is deeply rooted in his family as his brother is also a firefighter and shares the same family commitment to serving. 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 January 2019 filling a two-year term, and has used this time to resolve and discuss 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. He then decided to take on more administrative responsibilities and served as Chairman of the Bunk-in program where he developed a comprehensive duty assignment with the Chief’s office and instituted the policies and procedures necessary to ensure the proper compliance and structure necessary to keep the program running as intended. He also took on the responsibility of overseeing the maintenance and renovations at the property where it continues to operate in excellent condition. His commitment to serve his department continued when he informed the President that he would be interested in serving on the Inspection/Instillation committee where he immediately put his administrative skills to work again in helping to make tonight’s program possible. This year’s ceremony involved many logistical changes from the past, and our recipient was definitely up to the task, making sure that award recipients, family members, and each of our Elsmere family members were able to participate among the challenging time we face today As I stated earlier, this award requires three characteristics; Dedication, professionalism and Concern. Our recipient has demonstrated these traits throughout his short 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, Chuck Peters, as this year’s recipient of the Kenneth McNary Award.