Grand Island Fire Co. recognizes GIHS volunteers

Story and photo by Alice Gerard

Senior contributing writer

Two Grand Island High School students were recognized for their achievements while serving as cadets at the Jan. 18 Grand Island Fire Co. installation dinner. Kieran Meisel, a senior in the high school, was honored with the cadet training award, and Brayden Walden, a junior, was honored as cadet of the year.

Kieran and Brayden were also honored by the Grand Island Central School District Board of Education at its Feb. 2 meeting.

Firematic Capt. Richard Nichols, who works with fire company rookies, said he “was tasked with the rookies last year.

“We’re giving these two awards because (Kieran and Brayden) did a lot last year. I am very proud of them.

“I recognized Kieran. He showed outstanding dedication to the organization. Being still in high school, Kieran completed EMT-B (emergency medical technician – basic) and went on to complete AEMT (advanced emergency medical technician), which is the next level below paramedic. He passed both of them, which is about 300 hours of classroom and clinical. That speaks a lot about him. I’m very proud of him. He won the training excellence award for the cadets last year.”

According to the Erie County Department of Health’s emergency medical services’ website, the AEMT “certification allows you to transport patients on an ambulance while providing ALS care. Employment at an EMS agency is possible with this certification. AEMTs can perform all the skills of an EMT, as well as start IVs, perform some ALS (advanced life support) airway management skills, administer emergency medications intravenously as well as through other routes, etc.”

“Brayden also showed strong dedication through an impressive commitment to training while still in high school,” Nichols said. “Brayden completed BEFO (basic exterior firefighting operations), which is 79 hours, and IFO (interior firefighting operations), which is another 50 hours. He is also currently enrolled in firefighter survival, self-rescue, adding another 12 hours of training.”

Brayden said he was grateful for the opportunity to work with great members and officers of the GIFC. He added, “the opportunity to learn new skills is also amazing. Just the people you meet and being able to help people every day.”

Grand Island Central School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham described Brayden’s achievements as “super impressive.”

Kieran introduced himself and described his role with the GIFC.

“My name is Kieran Meisel, and I’m a certified emergency medical technician for the Grand Island Fire Co. I’ve completed my advanced EMT course, as well, but I have to wait until I’m 18 to get certified for that,” he said. “I’ve responded to about 200 calls in 2025, led patient care probably over 20 times, and assisted in many other calls. It’s been a great opportunity. I’d like to thank everyone from the fire company, and especially my training captain, Richie Nichols, and Chief John Podlucky. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be here tonight. I want to wish you guys all a healthy year.”

Board of Education President Sue Marston asked Kieran, who will graduate in June, about his future educational plans.

“I have just committed to Niagara University for nursing,” Kieran said. “I want to become an ICU nurse or an emergency room nurse, preferably with Oshei or ECMC. I’m really passionate about this. I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience and a lot of confidence over the years in taking the courses. I really appreciate the opportunity, and it’s been a great introduction to health care. I feel very confident going into college. It’s been a great experience.”

Podlucky said, “I just want to thank the board for recognizing these guys and, furthermore, for recognizing the cadet program. The cadet program is open to juniors and seniors in high school. There’s an opportunity, if they stay in college and continue along, to join the senior cadets until they are finished with college. If not, and they choose to go into the work force, we encourage them to become probationary rookie members.

“Basically, the cadets act in a capacity where they support us on scene. At fires, they might help us bring ladders to the scene or hook an iron to the fire engine. These guys are also able to provide patient care up to their level of service.

“Kieran honestly has one of the best bedside manners of anybody, new provider notwithstanding. And Brayden is a very hard worker. These guys really went above and beyond. Furthermore, what we’re most proud of isn’t just the time they put in, but they’re also good students and models in their community. That means a lot to us, too.

“We want to thank the board for recognizing that and allowing us to showcase that program.”

Marston added, “I just want to say that I was honored to be at the installation ceremony for the fire company and to see both be recognized. Really, it was impressive to see the number of youth that is involved in our fire company. I can’t say enough. I thank our fire company as a whole for what you do for our residents. We are always here to support and encourage and recognize our students. … We always want to showcase the good. Thank you both for joining our fire company and for joining such an amazing team to take care of our community. We appreciate that, and congratulations.”

To join the fire company’s cadet program, go online to https://grandislandfire.us/volunteer_opportunities.html and then click on the cadet (youth) application.