Above and Beyond: Jacobs installs 2019 Grand Island Fire Co. officers

New York State Sen. Chris Jacobs administered the oath of office to newly elected Grand Island Fire Co. officers on Saturday, Jan. 12, at fire headquarters. Both firematic and administrative officers were sworn to uphold their community protection duties. Honored guests and family members joined in praising the steadfast commitment of these volunteers.

Board of Directors Chairman Peter Sukmanowski thanked all the volunteers in the fire company who have dedicated so much of their lives serving the residents and visitors of the Town of Grand Island. He noted that without their dedication and professionalism, their courage and determination, many of those served wouldn’t be able to find the hope and strength they seek during some of the worst times of their lives.

Matt Osinski began another year as fire chief, and will be joined by Deputy Chief Mark Sadkowski, 1st Assistant Chief Omar Sortino and 2nd Assistant Chief Dan Mathes; captains Jourdain Benoit, John Podlucky, Pat Hahn, EMS Capt. Scott McCormick, and Fire Police Capt. Don Portik.

Jo Ann Ciffa began her first term as president and will be joined by Vice President Tammy Gorman, Recording Secretary Graciana Giambra, Financial Secretary Nicole Gerber, Treasurer Tony Mastantuono, Line Secretary Michele Jones, and Sergeant at Arms Dave Castiglia.

Sukmanowski, Dave Khreis, and Kevin Koch were returned to the Board of Directors for an additional three-year terms. Joe Savage was elected to his first term on the Board of Review, and Dave Cole and Bill Wilson were elected as trustees to the Benevolent Association.

Nicole Butcher, president of the GIFC Ladies Auxiliary, will be joined by Vice President Vicki Mock, Corresponding Secretary Arlene Soluri, Recording Secretary Maddy Dallessandro, Treasurer Karen Dallessandro, Sergeant at Arms Cathy Thomas, Chaplain Mary Becker, and trustees Darcy Golde, Brooke Raham and Barbara Wilson.

Jacobs, who represents Grand Island in the State Senate, administered the oaths of office to Grand Island Fire Co. personnel at an induction ceremony Jan. 12.

Matt Osinski takes the oath from Jacobs as fire chief.

From left, Jacobs administers the oaths to Deputy Chief Mark Sadkowski, 1st Assistant Chief Omar Sortino and 2nd Assistant Chief Dan Mathes.

The 2018 recruiting class received certificates of completion of training from GIFC captains John Podlucky and Pat Hahn. From left: Podlucky, Tommy Shanor, Kevin Chalupka, Vinny Malpica, Graciana Giambra, Ryan Schwinn, Adam Crist and Hahn.

2018 Recruits Complete Rookie Training

Sadkowski, along with training officers Podlucky and then-Lt. (recently elected Capt.) Hahn presented the 2018 recruit class with their certificates of completion for completing the 2018 recruit training program at the GIFC.

These recruits completed an intense year-long training program that consisted of attending company-sponsored training sessions every Monday, as well as completing the New York state basic exterior firefighting operations and SCBA/interior firefighting operations class. Additionally, these recruits are currently enrolled in the New York state emergency medical technician course being held at fire headquarters every Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

2018 Top 10 Responders

Sadkowski was proud to announce the top 10 responders for the year 2018.

1. John Podlucky – 615

2. Joe Savage – 548

3. Tim Krecisz – 512

4. Dan Mathes – 511

5. Vincent Malpica – 504

6. Jourdain Benoit – 450

7. Pat Hahn – 435

8. Omar Sortino – 420

9. Cory Rozell – 381

10. Mark Sadkowski – 379

The GIFC responded to 1,632 incidents in 2018.

2018 Training Excellence Award

Sadkowski awarded the 2018 Training Excellence Award to Lt. Tom Shanor.

In addition to responding to 340 calls for service in 2018 and completing the rookie program with his fellow recruits, Shanor attended 20 company drills and 24 training courses throughout the last year.

2018 Emergency Medical Service Award

Sadkowski was pleased to award the 2018 Emergency Medical Service Award to Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Valera.

Valera recently graduated from the New York state paramedic course this past summer, completing the 13-month program by attending class three days a week for six-hours each day, 160 hours of clinical time in the emergency room and 48 hours in the children’s emergency room. Valera began his journey to become a paramedic in February 2017, when he began the EMT-Basic course, and upon completion of that program five-months later, immediately began the paramedic program at Erie Community College.