Awards

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.