Above and Beyond: Grand Island Fire Co. celebrates 87th anniversary

Service awards presented to members

By Ron Stipp

Grand Island Fire Co. Public Information Officer

On Saturday, May 17, Grand Island Fire Co. members attended their 87th anniversary dinner.

President Mike Dallessandro started the evening off by welcoming GIFC members, their guests, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Supervisor Pete Marston, Town Council members, and guests from other neighboring fire departments.

Dallessandro said it’s not only the members who make the sacrifice and volunteer for our Grand Island community, but it’s the family members, the spouses, and their children who feel the effects of the volunteer fire service – and how we’re forever grateful for their sacrifice to the volunteer fire service. Morinello shared his thanks and appreciation to the GIFC volunteers and their service. He commented on the younger generation that crowded the room and how thankful he is to see the dedication and commitment by those young individuals.

The volunteer fire service doesn’t get enough recognition when it’s nearly a $3 billion savings to the New York state taxpayer.

Board Chairman Jeremy Pullano shared the “State of the GIFC,” beginning with remembering an icon of the GIFC for his development in the paramedic program, Ted Rayhill.

Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Pullano citied the merits of the program with its dozens of training exercises, the hundreds of hours for in-class training and certifications, the 1,900-plus calls in 2024, and the 700-plus calls already for 2025. He praised the EMTs for their skills, and our dispatchers for their calm presence when bringing that familiarity of the Island to enhance our response.

Pullano said the human connection goes beyond just the call of duty. For GIFC members, he said it isn’t just about the beginning and the end of the call – it’s what happens after that; it’s the community support; it’s the education we share with the community; it’s you, the volunteer member that make this place happen.

In closing, Pullano thanked our elected town officials for their constant support and said their trust hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Grand Island Fire Co. officials and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (right) recognize Ronald “Butch” Meyer for his 60 years of service to the company. (Submitted photo)

Barbara Souter is honored for her 30 years of service. (Submitted photo)

••••••••

Fire Chief Omar Sortino and Dallessandro presented service awards to members who achieved five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 60 and 65 years of service to the Grand Island Fire Co. and the community.

•Five years – Tim Woroniecki Sr., Tim Woroniecki Jr., Zach Bernfeld, Carl Finn, Vincent Malpica and Collin DeMartin.

•10 years – Ron Warner, Josephine Ciffa, Pat Hahn, Michael Madigan and Cory Rozell.

•15 years – Jourdain Benoit, Steve LaMarco, Dan Mathes and Sean O’Donnell.

•20 years, life membership – Peter Sukmanowski, Dave Castiglia, Christian Krawczyk and Tony Mastantuono.

•25 years – Michael Braun.

•30 years – Barbara Stouter.

•35 years – Steve Stouter.

•40 years – Roger Kaiser and Don Portik.

•45 years – Steve Morgan.

•60 years – Lance Kohn and Robert “Butch” Meyer.

•65 years – Peter McMahon.

It was another remarkable year for GIFC members, as we look forward to the future. Thank you, members, for your volunteerism; and our community for your constant support!