Above and Beyond: Town Supervisor Whitney installs 2020 fire company officers

Ray Pauley

Grand Island Fire Co. Public Information Officer

Grand Island Town Supervisor John Whitney administered the oaths of office to newly elected Grand Island Fire co. officers on Saturday, Jan. 11, at fire headquarters.

Both firematic and administrative officers were sworn to uphold their 2020 community protection duties. Honored guests and family members joined in praising the steadfast commitment of these volunteers.

GIFC Board of Directors Chairman Greg Butcher noted that 1,734 calls answered in 2019 represents a steady increase over the past few years and requires solid leadership to ensure successful firefighting and emergency medical service results.

Mark Sadkowski begins his first term as fire chief and is joined by Deputy Chief Omar Sortino, First Assistant Chief Dan Mathes, Second Assistant Chief John Podlucky; fire captains Jourdain Benoit, Patrick Hahn, and Don Turner; EMS Capt. Robert Meyer and Fire Police Capt. Don Portik.

President Joanne Ciffa is joined by Vice President Sean O’Donnell, Recording Secretary Graciana Giambra, Treasurer Tony Mastantuono, Financial Secretary Nicole Gerber, Line Secretary Ellen Valera, and Sergeant at Arms Thomas Shanor.

The Board of Directors, led by Butcher, is comprised of Dave Khreis, Kevin Koch, Matt Osinski, Jeremy Pullano, Saed Shafie and Peter Sukmanowski.

Norm Mrkall II and Mike DeMartin were added as Benevolent Association trustees, and Ron Warner became a Review Board member.

Ladies Auxiliary President Nicole Butcher is assisted by Vice President Vicki Soluri, Corresponding Secretary Arlene Soluri, Recording Secretary Madaline Dallessandro, Treasurer Karen Dallessandro, Sergeant at Arms Michelle Chalupka, Chaplain Mary Becker, trustees Darcy Golde, Julie Meyer and Barbara Wilson.

Allison DeMartin is the GIFC’s newest paramedic who completed over 1,600 hours of training along with several other related life support courses.

Also, those who became New York state certified emergency medical technicians during 2019 are: Dakota Bower, Kevin Chalupka, Madison Green, Katie Ireland, Vincent Malpica, Thomas Shanor, Megan Stanley, Ellen Valera and Tracy Yund.

Others who were recognized for special accomplishments during 2019 were Robert Becker (recruit of the year), Dakota Bower (training excellence), Allison DeMartin and Joe Savage (EMS award), Dan Mathes (president’s award) and Paul Valera (chief’s award). In addition, Pat Hahn, Allison DeMartin, Joe Savage, Paul Valera, Ellen Valera and Graciana Giambra received a special chief’s commendation for their successful treatment in an active childbirth situation.

Top 10 responders for 2019 were led by Megan Stanley with 537 calls, followed by Tim Krecisz, Joe Savage, John Podlucky, Dan Mathes, Ryan Schwinn, Allison DeMartin, Tom Shanor, Robert Meyer and Mark Sadkowski.

The following 2020 new recruits were also introduced: Zachary Bernfeld, Chelsey Borkowski, Collin DeMartin, Jared Hale, Greg Huffnagle, Noah Teator, Ashley Wolfe, Tim Woroniecki and Tim Woroniecki Sr.

Pictured are members of the recent rookie class. From left: GIFC training officer Pat Hahn, rookies Bob Becker, Megan Stanley, Madison Green, Ellen Hayes, Jacob McMahon, and Second Assistant Chief John Podlucky. (Photos by Mike DeMartin)