By Ray Pauley
Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Co.
New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello administered the oath of office to newly elected Grand Island Fire Co. officers on Saturday, Jan. 13, at fire headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road. Both firematic and administrative officers were sworn to uphold their 2018 community protection duties. Honored guests and family members joined in praising the steadfast commitment of these volunteers.
GlFC Board of Directors Chairman Greg Butcher reminded those in attendance that the fire company has become a first-rate organization because of dedicated lifetime members, past and present. Former president Bill Weis was one of these special individuals whose tough but fair-minded leadership pushed everyone to maximum levels of achievement.
Chris Soluri begins his second term as fire chief and will be joined by Deputy Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski, First Assistant Chief Omar Sortino, Second Assistant Chief Dan Mathes; fire captains Jourdain Benoit, John Podlucky and Jon Cinelli, EMS Capt. Scott McCormick, and Fire Police Capt. Don Portik.
President Mike Dallessandro will be assisted by Vice Pres. Joanne Ciffa, Recording Secretary Tammy Gorman, Financial Secretary Nicole Gerber, Treasurer Anthony Mastantuono, Line Secretary Michelle Jones, and Sergeant at Arms Pat Hahn.
Saed Shafie and Jeremy Pullano were returned to the board of directors for additional three-year terms.
Chris Caruana again serves on the board of review and Robert Meyer on the Benevolent Association.
Nicole Butcher, president of the GIFC Ladies Auxiliary, will be assisted by Vice President Vicki Soluri, Corresponding Secretary Arlene Soluri, Recording Secretary Danna Soluri, Treasurer Karen Dallessandro, Sergeant at Arms Jacqueline Dailey, Chaplain Mary Becker, trustees Darcy Golde, Brooke Raham, and Barbara Wilson.
For his exceptional expertise in maintaining GlFC operational technology, Ron Stipp received both the 2017 Chiefs Award and Presidents Award.
Hahn received the 2017 Training Excellence Award for his special accomplishments in that area.
Joe Savage was designated 2017 Recruit of the Year for his outstanding performance as a new (rookie) member. Allison DeMartin and Joe Casullo also completed 2017 training requirements.
Top-10 responders during 2017 were led by Tim Krecisz with over 500 calls. Others in sequential order were Mathes, Savage, Norm Mrkall II, Benoit, Cory Rozell, Hahn, Sadkowski, Ciffa and Sortino.
Chris Soluri (above) and Mike Dallessandro of the Grand Island Fire Co. receive their oaths of office from Assemblyman Angelo Morinello during an installation ceremony.
From left, are the installed Grand Island fire chiefs: First Assistant Chief Omar Sortino, Fire Chief Chris Soluri, Deputy Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski, and Second Assistant Chief Dan Mathes.
Pictured above are the 2018 administrative officers: Nicole Gerber, Joanne Ciffa, Mike Dallesaandro, Tammy Gorman and Pat Hahn. (Not pictured: Anthony Mastantuono, Michelle Jones, Robert Meyer and Chris Caruana.)
Pictured is the 2018 Board of Directors: Peter Sukmanowski, Greg Butcher, Mike Dallessandro and Saed Shafie. (Not pictured: Kevin Koch, Dave Khreis and Jeremy Pullano.) (Photos by Mike DeMartin and Ray Pauley)