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Chief Sortino recognized the `Members of the GIFC` with the 2024 Chief's Award for their hard work, dedication, volunteered time and community assistance.
Chief Sortino recognized the "Members of the GIFC" with the 2024 Chief's Award for their hard work, dedication, volunteered time and community assistance.

Above and Beyond: Grand Island Fire Co. holds 2025 installation of officers

Fri, Jan 31st 2025 11:00 am

By Ron Stipp, Public Information Officer

Photos by Grand Island Fire Co.

Grand Island Fire Co. attorney Mark Butler administered the oath of office to the elected GIFC officers on Saturday, Jan. 11, at fire headquarters. Both firematic and administrative officers were sworn to uphold their 2025 community protection duties.

Honored guests and family members joined in praising the steadfast commitment of these volunteers. Chairman Jeremy Pullano noted that 1,927 calls were answered during 2024, which continues to represent a steady increase over the past few years (1,770 calls in 2023).

Omar Sortino continues his leadership role as fire chief and is joined by newly elected Deputy Chief John Podlucky, 1st Assistant Chief Zach Bernfeld, and 2nd Assistant Chief Tim Woroniecki Sr., along with appointed EMS Chief Joe Torregrossa. Fire captains elected include Tim Woroniecki Jr., Megan Stanley, Thomas Shanor, along with day Capt. Robert “Butch” Meyer and Fire Police Capt. Joe Savage. Newly elected President Mike Dallessandro is joined by Vice President Kevin Rustowicz, Recording Secretary Benji Croom, Treasurer Tony Mastantuono, Financial Secretary Nicole Gerber, Line Secretary Mike Anderson, and Sgt. at Arms Madison Gardner.

The board of directors, led by Chairman Jeremy Pullano, is comprised of Matt Osinski, Nicole Gerber, Mike Anderson, Steve Stouter, Ron Warner and Saed Shafie. Ladies Auxiliary President Karen Dallessandro is assisted by Vice President Jennifer Woroniecki, Corresponding Secretary Katie Detmer, Recording Secretary Emma Turner, Treasurer Maura Rustowicz, Sgt. at Arms Emma Woroniecki, Chaplain Michelle Chalupka, and trustees Nicole Butcher, Vicki Soluri and Nancy Davis.

Chairman Pullano recognized Tim Woroniecki Jr., Dominic Pullano, Austin Disanto, Thomas Shanor and Carl Finn with the Chairman’s Award for their above and beyond assistance when a GIFC life member was in need after an incident earlier in 2024.

Past Assistant Chief Don Turner presented Madison Gardner with the 2024 Excellence in Training Award for her dedication and commitment to education and training throughout the year.

William Colley was recognized by Turner and Woroniecki Sr. with the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award.

••••••••

Chairman Pullano concluded his speech with sincere thanks to all past elected members, Past Assistant Chief Don Turner, Past Chief Greg Butcher, Past EMS Chief Robbie Meyer, board member Tammy Gorman, and administrative officers Katie Ireland and Carl Finn for their hard work, dedication and assistance to the community and the GIFC family in 2024.

Past President Ron Warner recognized Collin Thompson with the 2024 President’s Award for his extra help around the GIFC in the past year. Chief Sortino recognized the “Members of the GIFC” with the 2024 Chief’s Award for all their hard work, dedication, volunteered time and community assistance throughout the year.

New this year, Chairman Pullano recognized Tim Woroniecki Jr., Dominic Pullano, Austin Disanto, Thomas Shanor and Carl Finn with the Chairman’s Award, for their above and beyond assistance when a GIFC life member was in need after an incident earlier in 2024. These individuals made a huge impact during his time of need and throughout his recovery.

Past Assistant Chief Don Turner presented Madison Gardner with the 2024 Excellence in Training Award for her dedication and commitment to her education and training throughout the year. Madison took on and completed several training courses, alongside continuing her dedication to calls of service to the community.

William Colley was recognized by Turner and Woroniecki Sr. with the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award. Will had a tremendously successful year with completing several training courses in addition to his dedication to the mission of the community. Past EMS Chief Robbie Meyer recognized Katie Ireland and Michelle Jones with the EMS Award for their above and beyond commitment to EMS service.

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