Awards

Terry Hannigan was presented with Elsmere Fire Department's 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award at the National Night Out at the Elm Avenue Park on Tuesday, 8/6/2024...  

This year’s Firefighter of the Year award recipient is a 27 year veteran of the Elsmere Fire Department. He came to us with previous experience from a local fire department. He also had years of experience as an Emergency Medical Technician, having received several citations for assisting in the reversal of cardiac arrests.

This year’s recipient is Firefighter Terence S. Hannigan, Esq. He was a Kenneth E. Mc Nary Achievement Award recipient in 2010. Terry has acted as Counsel for the Elsmere Fire District for many years and was instrumental in reforming Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefit legislation. A number of fire and EMS families have benefited from his efforts.

He is a nationally certified as a fire instructor and New York State Fire Instructor, as well as a highly regarded fire service attorney. He has lectured for all the major New York State fire service associations as well as at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. Outside the classroom, Terry is a Hands-On Training instructor for NYSAFC. In June, Terry was recognized as the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Educator of the Year. Presented annually in memory of Past President Fred W. Singer, a 40-year member of the Vestal Fire Department. This award recognizes outstanding effort in fire service training and education.
Terry is a local business owner. He has served on Town of Bethlehem Committees, which were charged with studying Bethlehem's needs for the future. In the background, Terry has always made himself available to help fellow firefighters with legal questions or help with a legal issue.

Terry's steadfast character and inner strength have played a pivotal role in fostering unity and camaraderie among our members. Terry's contributions to the morale and pride of the Elsmere Fire Department are immeasurable. His actions speak volumes about his dedication to our department, and he exemplifies the very spirit of selflessness and service that defines our department as the Pride of Bethlehem!

Past Chief James Reagan has summed it up very well, "Terry's contributions to the Fire service statewide is immense, that most folks don’t realize. Indirectly his training and regulatory initiatives have preserved many from injury, and even saved lives." Let us congratulate Firefighter Terry Hannigan as Elsmere's 2024 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD recipient!