The
Grand Island Fire Company was established in 1938 by a concerned
group of Island residents who dedicated themselves to the
protection of life and property. Since then, this 'all
volunteer' fire company has grown into one of the finest
emergency service organizations in Western New York.
Utilizing three strategically located stations for its rescue
and firefighting equipment, and its own 9-1-1 dispatching
center, the Grand Island Fire Company successfully handles over
1000 emergency calls per year. In addition, intensive training
and regularly scheduled drills assure the highest levels of
proficiency in all operational facets of the Grand Island Fire
Company. Specialized 'Jaws of Life' extrication, basic Haz Mat
coverage, Marine Rescue capabilities, and Mutual Aid
participation, also represent the ever expanding role of the
Grand Island Fire Company.
Meanwhile, a highly skilled, professional team of Medical
Advisors, Paramedics, EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and
EMDs (Emergency Medical Dispatchers), provides critical BLS
(Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) on a day to
day basis. Extensive use of state of the art technology, such as
AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators), further enhances their
overall effectiveness in life threatening situations.
Chief
Gregory J. Butcher and every member of the Grand Island Fire
Company appreciates the steadfast support of the Town of Grand
Island Government and community at large which has contributed
notably to our successful accomplishments.
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Island
Fire Chief Shares In Lions Recognition of Community "Heros" - 2007
(left) GIFC Chief Greg Butcher, Jill Endres and Frank
Brusino proudly display their special awards for other attendees.
By Ray Pauley
Thirty-six WNY individuals who
have risen from "ordinary to extraordinary," were so praised by
Lions keynote speaker George Barrus, during a special awards
luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Buffalo, NY, on
Sunday, April 22, 2007.
In addition, NYS Senators Dale Volker and Mary Lou Rath presented
special 'Liberty Awards' to Lancaster Fie Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey,
for his outstanding career in firefighting and lifesaving, and
Buffalo Police Officer Carl Andolina, for his heroic actions in
subduing a violent offender, who had seriously wounded him and his
partner.
Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, Councilmen Dick
Crawford and Gary Roesch, along with thirty-two GIFC firefighters
and their spouses, watched as their Chief, Greg Butcher was singled
out as one of the six Firefighters of the Year 2007. Greg is serving
his fifth term as fire chief, with fifteen years of total service.
He is a state certified Animal Control Officer, Deputy Coordinator
of Disaster Emergency Services and part time Reserve Deputy Sheriff
for Erie County Sheriff's Marine Division. He also serves as a
member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National
Protective Assoc., NYS Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, Firemen's Assoc. of
the State of NY, Erie County Fire Chiefs, and is a Executive Board
Member of the Tonawanda Fire Chiefs. He also belongs to the Erie
County Fire Police Assoc., Fraternal Order of Police, is treasurer
of the Erie County Sheriff's Marine Division, WNY Animal Control
Officer Assoc., and American Legion.
Chief Butcher also shared the spotlight with two other Islanders,
Frank Brusino, Senior Citizen of the Year, who is chairman of the
Citizens Corp Program which established a local citizens Emergency
Response Team, and Jill Endres, WNY Youth of the Year recipient, who
has dedicated herself to helping others through multiple community
service activities.
Lions Club District Governor Kimberly Stribing and Club
Presidents from four WNY counties, voiced their heartfelt
appreciation for the distinguished public service accomplishments by
these "champions" of our society, and noted that their leadership is
our real hope for the future.
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