Grand Island Fire Company, Inc. Website
To contact the Fire Company Dial 773-4334
Administrative Officers 2012: President Tammy Jo Gorman, Vice President Donald Turner, Secretary Laurie Berry, Treasurer Steven L. Morgan, Financial Secretary Nicole Gerber, Line Secretary Anthony Mastantuono and Sgt.-at-Arms David Khreis.
Board of Directors 2012: Chairman Gregory J. Butcher, Vice Chairman Michael D. Braun, Secretary Raymond Pauley, David C. Tolejko, Paul D. Gorman, Stephen M. Stouter, Jeremy Pullano
Three-Car MVA Injuries Two Islanders - February 2012
(left) E-3 in standby position behind one of damaged vehicles - (right) Remaining gas service meter in front of Realty building after damaged one had been removed by National Fuel repair crews
By Ray Pauley, Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2012 to a three-car collision on Whitehaven Road near the intersection of Baseline Road.Fire Chief Kevin Koch determined that one of the vehicles in question had careened off the roadway, rupturing a gas meter at the Town Center Realty building, thereby creating a hazardous explosive threat at the scene. A safety zone was immediately established while Engine #3 and a fire fighting crew stood by with a charged hose line, the gas was shut down and building ventilation was conducted.
Meanwhile, seven individuals were evaluated by GIFC Medics for non life threatening injuries. Michelle Huff, 46, of Grand Island and a 16-year-old passenger were transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for precautionary follow-up. Sheena Schul, 23, of Niagara Falls claimed no injuries. In addition, Harjinder Singh, 33 and Balwinder Garha, 38, of Toronto, Canada, and two infant children were uninjured and transportation was arranged for this stranded family.
All GIFC units returned in service at 5:22 p.m. after National Fuel repair crews arrived and assumed control of their damaged natural gas service equipment.
Island Firefighters/Medics Handle Back to Back MVAs - February 2012
MVA victim treated by GIFC medics within safety zone set up adjacent to Grand Island Blvd.
By Ray Pauley, Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday, February 5 to a two-car collision on Grand Island Blvd. across from Tops Market.Assistant Fire Chief Chris Soluri reports that Puneet Brar, 27, of Grand Island was treated for non life threatening extremity injuries by GIFC medics and transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for follow-up medical attention. Four other individuals were evaluated but declined hospitalization and all GIFC units returned in service at 4:30 p.m.
Shortly thereafter at 4:45 p.m. another two-car MVA occurred at Fix Road and Alt Blvd. Deputy Chief Matt Osinski reports that seven persons were evaluated by GIFC medics, including four children, ages 14, 12, 12, and 11. All individuals refused hospitalization, but family physician follow-up was recommended for two of the children who sustained minor "bumps and bruises." All GIFC units returned in service at 5:16 p.m.
Three Islanders Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Exposure - January 2012
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded at 2:36 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2012 to a third party caller's report of "persons in distress" at 20 River Oaks Drive.Firefighters/Medics made repeated attempts to gain access when they arrived on location six minutes later, and were finally admitted by a disoriented occupant. Surya Yadavilli, 36; Chandana, 29; and a 13-month-old child were immediately evacuated from the residence and given life support treatment for exposure to "dangerously high" levels of CO which reached 300 PPM according to GIFC Capt. Shawn Kephart. They were then transported to Mount St. Mary's Hospital for oxygen deprivation treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, according to GIFC Medic Jon Cinelli.
Fire officials noted that any additional delay could have resulted in tragic (fatal) consequences.
Grand Island Fire Chief Kevin Koch also points out that the February 2010 Amanda's Law mandates CO detectors for all residences in New York State. Functioning CO detectors would have given this family advance "life saving" warning but were not known to be in use. The cause of such a CO buildup to a life threatening level such as encountered in this instance can usually be attributed to a defective furnace/exhaust system, however National Fuel has not yet made such a determination.
Fire Chief Koch stressed that having a working CO detector is a small price to pay for your safety or life.
After the home was completely ventilated, all GIFC units returned in service by 3:48 a.m.
Fire Company Chili Sale - January 2012
The annual Grand Island Fire Company Chili Sale will take place Saturday, Feb 4th at the hall, located at 2275 Baseline Road. Plenty of Chili will be made and sold in quarts from 11:00 a.m. until ?.
Island Firefighters Install 2012 Officers - January 2012
(left) Chief Koch congratulated by Assemblyman Ryan after swearing in ceremony.
New recruits hold Training Certificates of Completion - Scott Shaw, Tim Krecisz, Dan Mathes and Ryan Mock next to Chief Koch and Assistant Chief Sadkowski
Ladies Auxiliary officers (left) Danielle Soluri, Nancy Amato, Barbara Wilson, Darcey Golde, Julie Meyer, Mary Becker, Heidi McCormick and President Nicole Butcher
(left) 2012 Firematic Officers Jon Cinelli, Don Portik, Mark Sadkowski, Chief Koch, Matt Osinski, Omar Sortino, Shawn Kephart and Jeremy Pullano
Greg Butcher and Chief Koch look on as President Tammy Gorman presents the President's Award to Jourdain Benoit
By Ray Pauley, Public Information Officer
New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan administered the oath of office to newly elected Grand Island Fire Company officers on Saturday, January 14 at fire headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road. Both firematic and administrative officers were sworn to uphold their community protection duties. Assemblyman Ryan was joined by State, County and Town officials, other special guests and family members in praising the 24-7 emergency response commitment of these GIFC volunteers, who represent our special "hometown heroes" that we all have come to depend on so much.Ass. Ryan also congratulated GIFC Board of Directors Chairman Greg Butcher, who was recently appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Civil Defense and Disaster Preparedness by Erie County Executive Mark Polancarz.
It was noted that Kevin Koch begins his second term as Fire Chief and will be joined by Deputy Chief Matt Osinski, 1st, Asst. Chief Chris Soluri, 2nd Asst. Chief Mark Sadkowski, Fire Captains Ed Krecisz, Shawn Kephart, Omar Sortino; Fire Police Capt. Don Portik; EMS Captains Jon Cinelli and Jeremy Pullano.
President Tammy Gorman will be assisted by Vice President Don Turner, Line Secretary Tony Mastantuono, and Recording Secretary Laurie Berry. Reed Wright was returned to the Board of Review and Robert "Butch" Meyer will continue to serve as a Benevolent Assoc. Trustee. Dave Khreis was also returned to the position of Sgt.-at-Arms.
Nicole Gerber is serving as Financial Secretary and Communications Supervisor Steve Morgan holds the position of Treasurer.
Dave Tolejko was returned to another three-year term on the Board of Directors, while Jeremy Pullano begins his first term.
Ladies Auxiliary President Nicole Butcher introduced her 2012 officers as follows: Vice President Julie Meyer, Secretary Heidi Sue McCormick, Treasurer Danielle Soluri, Sgt.-At-Arms Teddy Linenfelser, Chaplain Mary Becker, and Trustees Nancy Amato, Darcy Golde and Barbara Wilson.
Chief Koch presented special commendations to firefighters and medics Rick Pelham, Lance Kohn, Dale Mock, Steve LaMarco, Saed Shafie, and John Podlucky for successfully resuscitating an individual in full cardiac arrest on July 27, 2011.
Chief Koch also commended Greg Butcher, Chuck Berlinger, Mark Sadkowski, Tony Mastantuono and Dave Dombrowski for "setting aside their personal lives" to assist flood victims in Schohaarie, NY on August 28, 2011.
Capt. Omar Sortino received a "Training Excellence Award" for his exceptional training contributions throughout 2011, which included his participation in 44 drills and response to over 300 emergency incidents.
In addition, Sortino and Tony Mastantuono were commended for their invaluable training efforts in implementing a mandatory safety escape system for all interior firefighters.
"Top Ten" responders for 2011 were led by Ray Pauley with 740 calls. Others in sequential order are Rick Pelham, Peter McMahon, Skip Mrkall, Greg Butcher, Mark Sadkowski, Kevin Koch, Pete Coppola, Jourdain Benoit and Dan Mathes.
Benoit also received a special President's Award for his outstanding administrative assistance which extended "well beyond" normal duties.
New recruits who completed intensive 2011 "rookie" training requirements are Dan Mathes, Ryan Mock, Tim Krecisz and Scott Shaw.
Congratulations to all those who have accomplished so much during 2011, and good luck to the 2012 GIFC leadershp team.
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