Martin Ingram Named Recipient of the 2013 "New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award"

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce the 2013 recipient of the "New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award" – Chief Martin J. Ingram of the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (PBVFD).

Ingram was presented with the award during the General Session of the NYSAFC 107th Annual Conference & FIRE 2013 Expo on June 13, 2013, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y.

NYSAFC’s "Chief of the Year Award" honoree is selected for demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service as a whole.

Martin Ingram leads the PBVFD, one of only nine volunteer fire departments within New York City and the first due agency that responds to the Breezy Point neighborhood in the borough of Queens, N.Y. Located on the Rockaway peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean, the compact community includes nearly 3,000 homes.

On October 29, 2012, Breezy Point was devastated by Super Storm Sandy, which caused unprecedented flooding, torrential rains, severe wind damage, and sparked a six alarm fire that completely destroyed over 110 homes. The PBVFD fire station sustained significant damage due to flooding and the impact of the storm, and the department’s chief’s vehicle was destroyed. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported in Breezy Point, due in large part to the efforts of firefighters from the local volunteer fire departments and the FDNY.

"Ingram demonstrated firm leadership before, during, and after this disaster, and his dedication to both the Breezy Point community and his fellow firefighters is remarkable," said NYSAFC President 2012-2013 Richard A. Messina.

PBVFD was one of three volunteer fire departments in the vicinity that remained operational during Super Storm Sandy, with members manning stations throughout the duration of the storm. Anticipating the need for extended operations, Ingram coordinated his department’s storm preparations. During the storm, he led the set up of a public shelter at the fire house for residents who did not adhere to the city’s mandatory evacuation order. When the fire house was flooded, department members, evacuees, and their pets had to be relocated to a new shelter. Ingram also led his department’s response to the six alarm blaze, helping to save lives and prevent further fire spread. Following the storm, under Ingram’s leadership, PBVFD established a disaster recovery center that distributed supplies to the community. He also coordinated the response of firefighters from across New York state who traveled to Breezy Point to provide assistance during clean up and recovery. Ingram led efforts to rebuild the PBVFD fire station, while at the same time rebuilding his own home. He continues to serve a principal role in this community, which is still rebuilding over six months after the devastating impact of Super Storm Sandy.

NYSAFC President Richard Messina noted, "Chief Ingram’s unwavering leadership, compassion for his community, and concern for his firefighters, many of whom also lost homes, make him this year’s ‘New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year.'"

Ingram joined the PBVFD at age 17 while serving as a lifeguard at Jacob Riis Park in Queens. He went on to a career as a rescue helicopter pilot with the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2002 after 30 years of active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves service. Ingram later served as a National Park Police officer, and then was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as assistant division manager, Eastern Region Flight Standards Division. Ingram maintained his membership with the PBVFD, and upon retirement in July 2012, devoted himself to the role of fire chief. Ingram has earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, as well as a master’s degree from the State University of New York Stony Brook.

"Chief Ingram’s commitment to his community and dedication to his fire department serve as an example for chiefs from across New York state," said NYSAFC President Richard Messina.