NYSAFC 2012 Award Presentations

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The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs presented numerous awards during the 106th Annual Conference and FIRE 2012 Expo, including the following prestigious honors.

The "NYSAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year Award" was given to Chief Joseph M. Fahd Jr. of the Cohoes Fire Department. Fahd has 45 years of fire service experience and a vast background in firematics, hazardous response, emergency medical services, and emergency management coordination, which have provided his community with the best in fire service professionalism and leadership. He has held numerous leadership positions at the state, county, and local levels. Fahd was presented the award on June 14 during the General Session. This award is presented to association members for demonstration of exemplary leadership that has not only benefited an individual fire department, but also the emergency services of New York state. Honorees are chosen each year based upon their exemplary leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service as a whole. To nominate someone for the 2013 "Career and Volunteer Chief of the Year Awards," click here.

Pictured: NYSAFC President Frank Sylvester congratulates "Chief of the Year" Chief Joseph Fahd during the General Session. Also pictured: Captain John Layton of the Albany County Sheriff's Office and Albany County Deputy Fire Coordinator Guy Comparetta. Photo by Ron Dahulich

The "Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award" was given to Paul C. Melfi. Melfi has and continues to be an instructor for firefighter training programs, as well as an advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, delivering the "Courage to be Safe" program at every opportunity. He is the NYSAFC Hands-On Training Program coordinator, a New York state fire instructor at New York State Fire Academy, and a retired deputy chief with the City of Olean Fire Department. Melfi was recognized during the General Session and the award was presented at the FIRE 2012 Hands-On Training site. This award is presented in memory of NYSAFC Past President Fred Singer, a highly regarded teacher and champion of fire safety and firefighter training throughout New York. The award recognizes outstanding efforts in fire service training. Individuals that are fire service instructors providing training within New York state are eligible for the award. To nominate someone for this award next year, click here.

Pictured: Paul Melfi is presented with the "Fred Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award" by NYSAFC President Frank Sylvester, Past President Al Varlaro, Director Dan Schwertfeger, and his fellow NYSAFC Hands-On Training Program instructors.

The "Manford 'Manny' Jerome Award" was given to VFIS and accepted by President Troy Markel. Even though NYSAFC is primarily made up of individual fire officers and departments, much of the association's progress over the years is due to outstanding support from the corporate leaders of the emergency services industry. One such individual who exemplified this ethos is Manny Jerome of Jerome Fire Equipment. His support has been an outstanding testament to his love of the fire service. To that end, NYSAFC created the "Manford 'Manny' Jerome Award," which is given to a corporation or individual that has exemplified corporate leadership and support. VFIS has long provided its support to many fire service organizations in this state and nationally, as well as to this association, and they have been presented with this award in recognition of their commitment to the emergency services. The award was presented to VFIS President Troy Markel during the General Session on June 14.

Pictured: President Troy Markel, VFIS, accepts the "'Manny' Jerome Award."

Chief Fred Theadore was honored by NYSAFC for his longtime service on the Government Affairs Committee. Theadore, of the Circleville Fire Department in Orange County, was presented with a special plaque by the Government Affairs Committee and members of the board of directors during FIRE 2012 at the association booth. He was honored with sincere appreciation for his many years of service and his leadership and guidance of the Government Affairs (formerly Legislative) Committee. During the past 25 years, Theadore served as a member, vice chairman, and chairman of these committees, and the association is forever grateful for his tireless dedication. He continues to serve NYSAFC as a member of the Annual Conference Committee.