Grand Island Fire Company

Grand Island Fire Company News 2003
Grand Island Fire Company, Inc. Website

2002 News
2001 News

For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1 or 773-7508
To contact the Fire Company Dial 773-4334

Firematic Officers 2003: Fire Chief Greg Butcher, Deputy Chief Kevin Koch, 1st Assistant Chief Matt Osinski, 2nd Assistant Chief Christopher Soluri, Captains George Wenner, Dave Amato, John Wenner, EMS Captain Robert Cleveland and Fire Police Captain Donald Portik.
Administrative Officers 2003: President Mike Dallessandro, Vice President Brett Lynch, Secretary Reed Wright, Sgt.-at-Arms Daniel Cole, Treasurer Peter Coppola, Line Secretary David W. Cole and Financial Secretary Lawrence L. Hagerman.
Board of Directors: Chairman David Tolejko, Larry Hagerman, Bill Wilson, Paul Gorman, Ray Pauley, Skip Mrkall and Robert Meyer Sr.

Island Firemen Assist With River Rescue

Dan McMahon Photos - Click photos for larger view
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)
   Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel received a call at 1 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2003 from the Erie County Sheriff's Department that two fishermen were stranded in the Niagara River, in the vicinity of the Blue Water Marina, 340, East River Road.
   According to Chief Greg Butcher, GIFC Marine Unit #1 arrived on location and initiated launch procedure at 1:22 p.m. while the ECSDs "Air One" helicopter ws enrute. Three minutes later, Air One appeared, and was able to lift the two victims off themoving ice floe, for transfer to a nearby landing zone, where GIFC paramedics were waiting to render further assistance. Christopher emes, 42, and Anthony Cerrone, 37, both of Niagara Falls, denied injuries and exhibited no signs of exposure, according to Chief Butcher.
   The two companions advised GIFC Asst. Chief Matt Osinski that they had stepped over a crack in the shore ice, as they made their way to set up a fishing spot just south of the marina. Before they knew it however, the crack had widened to several feet, and they were trapped on a large patch of ice that began drifting towards the center of the river, where the current is noticeably stronger. They did not panic though, because they had already been spotted, and were dressed warmly enough for protection against frigid temperatures. Additionally, they were fortunate that they did not fall into icy river waters, since even limited emersion could have resulted in hypothermia as well as fatal consequences, Osinski noted.
   Fire officials caution fishermen and others to stay off all frozen surfaces, which are extremely treacherous due to thinning, cracking and shifting, that accompanies warming spring weather. "Better safe than sorry" is a good rule of thumb to use under present conditions, commented one fire official, who has participated in several prior river rescues, and knows the unforseen dangers that are life threatening.

Early Morning MVAs Result in Fatality
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)
   Deteriorating weather conditions early Sunday morning, contributed to several MVAs, one of which resulted in fatal injuries, according to Grand Island Fire Company officers.
   GIFC Rescue Personnel responded shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 23, 2003 to a two-car collision on Baseline Road in the vicinity of Sidway Elementary School. Cynthia Pittman, 25, of Hamburg, NY sustained major body trauma and was partially ejected from her vehicle. Pittman was unresponsive when GIFC paramedics arrived on the scene, and her life threatening injuries could not be overcome. The other driver, Richard E. Byron, 54, of Grand Island, was treated for head lacerations, immobilized, and transported to Erie County Medical Center for additional medical attention.
   Later, at 2:59 a.m., GIFC Rescue Personnel were again called out for a vehicle accident on the South Grand Island Bridge. Donald Lander, 20, was treated for a minor head injury and transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital as a precaution.
   Subsequently, at 2:39 a.m., Grand Island firefighters responded to a report of "wires down" on Ferry Road near Baseline Road. It was determined that cable lines, not power lines, were involved, and appropriate notifications were made.
   Finally at 3:45 a.m. GIFC Rescue Personnel responded to another multi-vehicle collision at the South Bridge. Anthony Marlant, 19, Aaron Sypniewski, 19 and Danielle Catone, 17, were treated for non-critical head and back injuries and hospitalized for further medical evaluation, according to Assistant Chief Matt Osinski.
   A fourth incident on the Tonawanda side of the South Bridge, was turned over to the Sheridan Park VFD, according to GIFC Assistant Chief Chris Soluri. All GIFC units returned in service at 4:05 a.m.

Island Fire Company Welcomes New Recruits

New GIFC members (front left) Wayne Siwicki Jr., Richard Phillips, Scott Kujawa, Omar Sortino and Adrian Pilliod.
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)
   Chief Greg Butcher reports that five individuals were recently accepted as new members in the Grand Island Fire Company.
   Wayne Siwicki Jr., Richard Phillips, Scott Kujawa, Omar Sortino and Adrian Pilliod were voted into membership on February 5, 2003. Subsequently, on February 11 they commenced an intensive six-month training period, which will concentrate on basic firefighting and EMS skills.
   "Congratulations to these newest members of the GIFC volunteer fire service, and may they safely and successfully perform their future community protection duties."

Weekends Not All R&R For Firefighters

Instructors Dave Tolejko (left) and Lance Kohn organize lesson plans for CFR classroom presentation.
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)
   Grand Island Fire Company EMS Captain Bob Cleveland knows better than most that firefighters' duties don't end at 5 o'clock every Friday. Sandwiched in between sudden EMS and fire emergencies, weekends provide "a great opportunity to upgrade lifesaving skills," he noted.
   Just recently, an eight-hour Basic Trauma Life Support course was conducted on Saturday, February 15, 2003, for the advanced recertification of 22 paramedics and intermediate EMTs. Seven instructors conducted 'hands on' treatment exercises involving IV procedures, rapid extrication, patient assessment, and patient airway management.
   The very next day, on Sunday, some of these same instructors spent an additional six hours teaching AED (Automatic External Defibrilator) procedures to a Certified First Responder class of 21 students.
   When one of these 'volunteers' was asked whether such a personal committment was singularly worthwhile, his answer was a resounding "you bet your life," according to Cleveland. What more can be said about those individuals who place such a high priority upon their community protection responsibilities.

Man Injured In Fall At Construction Site

Click photo for larger view
Rural Metro Ambulance employees are shown left,
assisting Paramedic Shawn Manning and Firefighter
Chuck Berlinger Jr. of the Grand Island Fire Company.
Dan McMahon Photo
Grand Island Fire Company personnel responded to a call for medical assistance about 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2003 when a 24-year-old Buffalo resident fell approximately nine feet into the basement of a house under construction on East River Road near Baseline Road. The patient, Jeff Inglot, was treated for a head injury and possible back and neck injuries and transported to a hospital.

Firefighter Honored For Rescue

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Shown left are Fire Chief Greg Butcher, Deputy Chief Kevin Koch, Firefighter Scott Duscher, Fire Company Board Member Ray Pauley and Life Member Norm Mrkall.
Barbi Lare Photo
   Grand Island firefighter Scott Duscher, on January 22, 2003, received Channel 23's "The Bravest of Western New York" citation, for a lifesaving rescue during a January 18, 2003 residential fire. GIFC Chief Greg Butcher accepted a similar award, on behalf of the entire Fire Company.
   Scott was one of the first firefighters to arrive at the scene of a Carl Road house fire, which had spread rapidly throughout the interior. When Matt Schroeder, 25, was found hanging precariously from a second floor rear window, Scott had to make a quick decision to render assistance, since responding engines and other equipment were still a few minutes away. Without further hesitation, he borrowed a neighbor's ladder and brought Schroeder down to safety, before he lost his grip in the frigid conditions. Schroeder was then treated by paramedics for exposure, and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for further medical attention.
   Although Scott insisted that he merely did "what I was trained to do, help someone," Chief Butcher pointed out that his timely action undoubtedly saved Schroeder from more serious injury or worse. Town Supervisor Peter McMahon and Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick also agreed that this selfless dedication to protection of the entire community, is a testament to the calibre of those individuals who have put their own lives on the line for the past 64 years.
   Congratulations to Scott and his fellow firefighters who are always there when needed.

For the complete story, click Carl Road Fire.

Fire Company Personnel Respond to Four Simultaneous MVAs

Dan McMahon Photo - Click for larger view
Grand Island Fire Company volunteer firefighters/paramedics responsed to four motor vehicle accidents on the New York State Thruway at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. Extremely bright sun light added to slippery road conditions causing the accidents with no serious injuries reported. Four people, including a State Trooper, were transported to a local hospitals with minor injuries. Firefighters were called back to two of the incidents where occupants first refused treatment and shortly after, requested the Fire Company's emergency medical crew to check them out. Temperature on Grand Island today, January 24, 2003 is 2 degrees.

Carl Road Fire Causes $90,000 Damage
Occupant Rescued By Island Firefighter
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)

Angela Amato Photos. Click photos for larger view
   Grand Island firefighters shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2003, responded to an alarm of fire at 70 Carl Road. The call was received from a cell phone user who notified the Erie County Sheriff's Department.
   GIFC Chief Greg Butcher, one of the first to arrive on location, reported that an occupant, Matt Schroeder, 25, was discovered hanging precariously from a second floor rear window. Firefighter Scott Duscher quickly borrowed a neighbor's ladder, and brought him down to safety. He was treated at the scene for exposure, and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for further evaluation and medical attention. Another individual, Gary Watts, 43, was treated by GIFC paramedics for smoke inhalation and superficial burns.
   The fire was brought under control within 35 minutes, using three fire suppression crews from Engines #4 and #3, according to Chief Butcher.
   Mutual aid assistance was rendered by Sheridan Park, Kenmore, Ellwood and Kenilworth VFDs, due to manpower and equipment demands as well as adverse weather conditions which hampered operations. Ellicott Creek VFD was also placed on standby at GIFC headquarters to handle any other fire or EMS emergencies. They did cover a request for assistance with an unruly prisoner at the ECSD lockup on Grand Island.
   The fire was reported out at 2:38 p.m. with total damage amounting to approximately $90,000, according to Chief Butcher.    GIFC Fire Investigators Chuck Berlinger and Mike DeMartin were assisted by ECSD Fire Investigator Vincent Pupo, who remained on location. Although the fire appears to have started in the basement, an exact cause has not been determined, they stated.
   The American Red Cross was called in to assist the occupants with shelter and related needs.
   All units returned in service at 3:27 p.m. after extensive overhaul efforts were concluded.
Click Town News Page for Arson Arrest story.

County Legislator Assists Island Firefighters - January 2003

Barbi Lare Photo
Click photo for larger view
   Erie County Legislative Minority Leader Chuck Swanick met with Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher at Fire Headquarters on Saturday, January 18, 2003 to demonstrate solid support for ongoing water rescue capabilities.
   Legislator Swanick presented Chief Butcher with a county grant in the amount of $3500 which helped to offset costs of a new Zodiac rescue boat. He noted that, "Our volunteer firefighters serve a selfless duty protecting the safety of others. This new equipment gives the Grand Island Fire Company water rescue team the tools for a safer and swifter response, as they risk their lives to come to the rescue of those facing danger in the water."
   Chief Butcher indicated that this grant, along with generous fund drive contributions during 2002, permitted necessary replacement of a 15-year-old craft, which had been damaged during prior rescue efforts. He also stressed that marine rescue, with its many hours of specialized training and preparedness, is a particularly vital priority for the GIFC, which must protect 24 square miles of land, entirely surrounded by water.
   Butcher concluded that tax dollars that are dedicated to community protection by the volunteer fire service "is money well spent, and greatly appreciated by the GIFC, as well as town residents."

Fire Company Installation Photos - 2003
Barbi Lare Photos

Click photos for larger view
Newly elected Grand Island Fire Company administrative officers for 2003 are (front left) Board Chair David Tolejko, Vice President Brett Lynch, President Mike Dallessandro, Secretary Reed Wright; (back) Treasurer Peter Coppola, Line Secretary David W. Cole, Gary Roesch (Benevolent), and Financial Secretary Lawrence L. Hagerman.
Newly elected Grand Island Fire Company Firematic officers are (front left) 1st Assistant Chief Matt Osinski, Deputy Chief Kevin Koch, Fire Chief Greg Butcher, 2nd Assistant Chief Christopher Soluri; (back) Captains John Wenner and George Wenner, EMS Captain Robert Cleveland and Fire Police Captain Donald Portik.

Schimminger Installs 2003 Fire Company Officers
By Ray Pauley (GIFC Information Officer)

Left photo: Fire Chief Greg Butcher; (2) Firematic officers George "Buck" Wenner, John Wenner, David Amato, Bob Cleveland and Don Portik; (3) Mike Dallessandro installed as president of the Fire Company; (4) Fire Chief Greg Butcher, Board Chairman Dave Tolejko and President Mike Dallessandro.
   Grand Island firefighters, wives, guests and town officials looked on as State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger installed 2003 firematic and administrative officers at the Company's Fire Headquarters on Saturday, January 11, 2003.
   Schimminger noted that Grand Island residents are truly fortunate that they have such a dedicated group of individuals to carry out community protection duties on a daily basis. Board Chairman Dave Tolejko also recognized ten firefighters who led the GIFC in total incident responses during the year 2002. Emergency calls during that period reached an all time high of 1305, he disclosed.
   GIFC President Mike Dallessandro also presented firefighter Kevin Rustowicz and his wife, Maura, with a special "President's Award," for outstanding contributions in organizing the annual children's Christmas party, for the past several years.
   "Congratulations to the GIFC's new leadership team and best wishes for success in meeting future challenges in fulfilling critical fire and EMS reponsibilities."

South Grand Island Bridge Accident Injures Three
South Grand Island Bridge traffic, northbound, was blocked just before 6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) due to an accident on the bridge involving two cars and a truck. According to Fire Chief Greg Butcher, Grand Island Fire Company paramedics and fire personnel responded and treated three people at the scene for non-critical injuries. Lockport resident, Caroline Lagrein, 24, was transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital with upper back and arm injuries. Corrine Monago, 24, of Lewiston, also went to Kenmore Mercy with neck and back injuries. Curtis Chelley, 42, of Niagara Falls, was taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center with a head injury. The driver of the truck was not injured.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.