Big Tree volunteer firefighter to be honored at America’s Fair
A firefighter from the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company in West Seneca will be honored as Firefighter of the Year on Friday during Firefighters Appreciation Day ceremonies at America’s Fair, the Erie County Fair in Hamburg.
The award will be given to John Makin for his efforts, along with fellow Home Depot employee Norm Breem, in reviving co-worker James Charlton in March 2007 after he suffered cardiac arrest at the store in West Seneca. Makin and Breem administered CPR until emergency medical crews arrived and Charlton was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he underwent successful heart surgery.
Makin also was named Big Tree’s Firefighter of the Year for 2007 and was the company’s Top Responder, answering 368 calls during the year.
The award will be given during a ceremony at 5 p. m. on the backstretch of the race track near the Bazaar Building. Activities will start at 3 p. m. with a memorial service for deceased firefighters in the Firemen’s Building and conclude with a firefighters parade at 7 p. m. on the race track in front of the grandstand.
Other awards include:
EMS Provider of the Year — Brian Donahue and Jeff Luke, Woodlawn; Rosemary Donahue, Big Tree; and Maureen Kryszak, Blasdell, for their efforts in attempting to revive drowning victim Bethany Morgan in July 2007 at Woodlawn State Park Beach.
Lifetime Achievement Award — Richard A. Smith of Big Tree, who has served in several line and administrative offices during his 50 years in the fire service. He also was Hamburg town highway superintendent and was a member of the Hamburg Town Board and the Assembly. He also headed the effort to establish the Western New York Burn Center.
Fire Service Award — 30 Years and Over — Curtis Hodson, Big Tree, service award director for the company since 2001. He has served in several line and administrative offices since he joined in 1968, was one of the company’s first emergency medical technicians and has served as a first-aid instructor.
Fire Service Award — 16 to 29 Years — Carol Covert, Big Tree, who has been very active in the company’s Emergency Medical Services since she joined in 1985. She is certified as an EMT instructor and handles many of the company’s administrative duties.
Fire Service Award — 1 5 Years and Under — Lynn Barberio, Scranton Volunteer Fire Company, certified as an advanced EMT and named EMS Provider of the Year twice since she joined in 2000. The mother of four, she responds to an average of 250 calls a year and is a full-time dispatcher for Medical Emergency Response System for Erie County.
Junior Firefighter of the Year — Brittanie Smerka, Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, a member for four years who has been active in training and meetings and has shown dedication to the company and the community.
