Providing Public Service to Our Friends and Neighbors In The Community Since 1904

North Boston Firefighters Honored

    The Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization Awards Committee has finalized the recipients of this years awards. Once again, North Boston Fire Company brings home  winners in their respective categories. The awards will be presented at the Installation Dinner on April 2nd at The Lily of the Valley Banquet Facility in Cheektowaga.

    As recent as 2003, other North Boston Firefighters have been honored- Past Chief Fred Shear for 47 years of Active service in 2003; in 2002, Past Chief James Carr (20-40 years of service) and Robin Mead (10-20 years of service) were honored; 2001 Captain Michael Frank (0-10 years of service) and Past Chief Rodney Carr (21-40 years of service) were recognized, as were Asst. Chief Sean Crotty (0-10 years of service) and Past Chief Kenneth Manista (11-20 Years of service) in 2000. 

This years recipients are:

Fire Service Award 11-20 Years:  Eugene S. Wieckowski Jr.

Eugene entered the fire service in his senior year of high school in February of 1989. Serving initially in the Patchin Volunteer Fire Company, Gene served many capacities in their organization. Always willing to help out where needed, and sharing his insight and views, Gene had a hand in on many solutions to mechanical problems. Gene served on many committees during his tenure at Patchin, none more passionate then the vehicle committees he served on. Active and involved in many aspects of the organization, Gene served as Captain of Tanker 5 in 1991, Captain of Engine 1 from 1994-2000, and Captain of Engine 3 in 2001-2002. Gene was also awarded Patchin’s Firefighter of the Year in 1991 for his many accomplishments in their organization.
            Transferring over to North Boston in 2002, Gene dove into work head first. His work ethic was a welcomed sight, getting involved in vehicle maintenance, assisting with trainings and equipment purchases, and his general “we can do that” attitude. His many years of experience were truly a breath of fresh air to get a new perspective on procedures and operational issues whereby making a truly researched decision possible.
            With Gene’s years involved in Patchin’s Extrication Program, his transfer to North Boston proved to be beneficial in the early stages of our Extrication Program. His experience and knowledge of procedure helped make the transition to full speed, and a well educated team, less tedious. His insight and willingness to help on the training ground is what is most important. His leadership and mentoring of members with less experience, patience and encouragement has proved to affect our training paths to a broader view. Gene has attended in 2003-2004, 26 New York State Fire / Erie County Fire Safety classes and seminars that have supplemented his knowledge base.
            Taking a lead role in the re-organization of vehicles was Gene’s forte in 2003. After successive years of being awarded FEMA Grants, North Boston had an influx of new equipment that needed their place secured. After many hours, and days or intricate work, Gene restructured Rescue 7 to accommodate more equipment, installed SCBA Seats, and rewired components. Gene reconfigured compartments on Engine 1, Engine 2 and Rescue 7, installed new SCBA brackets in the Engines, performed a thorough inventory of equipment, purging non essential outdated equipment.
            Gene brings to the table a willingness to share his experience and knowledge so that everyone may be able to perform to the level that they are capable of. Tools are important features, but the knowledge of how to use them safely and effectively is a learned trait, not acquired. Gene does his part in the education of his peers, and does not hesitate to stop to help when required to do so.
            Gene is a member of the Extrication Team, Fire Police Squad, Interior Certified, Co -Senior Vehicle Engineer, and a key member of the training bureau. 
            In 2003, Gene was awarded with North Boston’s Firefighter of the Year for his leadership, mentoring and involvement in key functions in the North Boston Fire Company. An acquisition of a well trained, motivated individual is truly a blessing in this day and age of firefighting, and we at North Boston are truly fortunate to have Gene as a member of our team.

Fire Service Award 0-10 Years:  David M Bernas 
            David Bernas became active in the North Boston Volunteer Fire Company in February of 1995.  David is your a-typical new member who joined the ranks not on his 18^th birthday like most of us; it was after a tour in the Marines, raising a family, and establishing himself in a new community. An early standard and practice was that to educate himself, and take as many fire classes as possible, one characteristic that has traveled with him for the last 9 years. Since becoming Lieutenant in 2001, Dave has taken care of the many duties that are delegated to the officers.  He has not only completed the assigned tasks, but also re-evaluated and re-organized many of the duties to come current with position.  Since his tenure as Lieutenant, he has served as 2^nd Asst. Chief from 2002-2004, and currently serves as 1^st Assistant Chief.  As an elected leader in the organization, his leadership has been demonstrated from many of his life experiences.  Driven as a local businessman, his work ethic and systems management has been carried over into implementing many key programs.  Charged with the task of maintaining computer files, evaluating and upgrading systems has been the area David has excelled in.  The personnel management aspect of the fire service has become a key source for accountability and tracking personnel performance, and identifying their needs.  A proponent of a constant needs assessment plan, David directed many of the changes in the training paths and modules that rate and mold our current firefighters.  Without a path to follow, the firefighters have no sense of direction, and without the knowledge of what capabilities the firefighters have, we as leaders have no idea what we as a company are capable of.  Today, enjoying the fruits of his labor, identification of the weaknesses and strengths, each member is able to train to a specified task, and gain competence in the set discipline, instead of getting discouraged because they can’t do everything. With that said, he has been a driving force in assisting in gaining compliance through identifying the needs of the company.  The many tedious tasks that are less desirable are handled with compassion and excellence through the tireless efforts he puts forth.
               Active in many quintessential committees, David offers his endless cooperation and flexibility, conforming to meet the needs of the many.  Co-Chairing most recently a new vehicle committee, which is still active, David is persistent in his pursuit for the well-researched, most practical application for the needs of our company.
            Probably his most noticeable calling is that of stewardship. The harmonious blend of making sure each and every person understands what is expected of him/her, and the understanding that what we as members put in, will soon be harvested. The important factor in his quest for a responsible well rounded proactive member is the fact of leading by example. He not only takes care of the materialistic side of the fire service, but also the emotional.
            Dave has entertained us with his outgoing and vivacious personality, has established himself as a doer and a dreamer, and has been extremely dedicated as he serves as a role model for new fire fighters.  To see a person with 9 years experience be so influential is a rare and welcome addition to the Fire Service.  His personality not only entertains us, but also brings out a lighter side of the fire service for all to enjoy.  With his constant goal setting and achievements, comes direction.  With his direction and leadership, we progress into the next 100 years of the North Boston Fire Company fulfilling its duty and calling.  There is a lot to be said for a person who likes things the way they are, but can see room for improvement, and not only identifies that, but works diligently toward it.
            David was recognized as Firefighter of the Year in 2001.  

Pat these two on the back- and you yourself should be commended for the job each and every one of you do. It is a difficult process to select the members that we submit for the Service Awards.