Nominee Finalists

Seth and his wife Audra, are the proud parents of 4 beautiful girls all under the age of 13. In addition, they foster 2 girls who are under the age of 4, plus they periodically take on additional fosters (as the time of this submission, they have 2 young boys). Taking so many children to and from school, appointments and sports/activities can be a challenge and having reliable transportation is essential for them. Seth served in the Marine Corps for over 5 year, including multiple deployments overseas. He works hard locally as a warehouse manager and I honestly cannot think of anyone who deserves a new vehicle more than this vet who gives so much.

Corey has been a volunteer firefighter and worked in the Ambulance and rescue squad since he was 14. He started off as a junior firefighter and work with people in the rescue squad and Ambulance core until he was old enough to join. He works for MTS as an EMT and has recently gone to school to becoming a paramedic. He just passed yesterday and is now a paramedic. He’s been an ambulance chief and has been involved with the Ambulance and rescue squad for almost 20 years.

I am writing to nominate my sister, Megan, for your "Vehicles for First Responders" contest. As her youngest sibling, I have closely observed her unwavering dedication to nursing and I firmly believe she exemplifies the spirit this award seeks to honor. Megan has been a RN for fourteen years, serving in high-stakes environments such as the ER, Covid units in NYC, and cardiac units. In these demanding settings, she routinely cares for critically ill patients whose conditions can change rapidly, requiring constant vigilance and quick interventions. What sets Megan apart is her role as a float nurse, a position demanding exceptional adaptability as she moves between multiple hospital units in a single shift to meet fluctuating staffing needs. I respectfully urge you to consider my sister for this life-changing prize. Her work ethic, expertise, and willingness to serve wherever needed make her a standout candidate. Thank you for your consideration, Rosie "Proud of My Big Sister" Avery

Juan is a Marine through and through! He served 13 years on active duty; he wanted to make a 20-year career out of it, but circumstances dictated otherwise. That hasn't stopped him from carrying the Marine Corp ethos into every aspect of his civilian life however. Always looking for a way to serve, he became a trusted leader in the world of private corrections. Despite his impairments during service, this man embodies integrity in all ways! Whether he’s helping a stranger load their car, talking a suicidal detainee off the ledge, or passing on carpentry skills to his son, Juan tries to utilize his knowledge and experience to always help everyone he comes across. Whether he’s serving his nation, his community, or his family – honor, courage, and commitment are values that permeate everything he does. The most modest man I’ve met, it would be wonderful to finally acknowledge his dedication to others. Semper Fi!

After serving 8 years in the Army as a combat photographer, Anna settled in Buffalo with her husband and children and went to school to become a nurse. While in school, her car was damaged during an attempted robbery at her home. She needs reliable transportation to complete her mission as a nurse in ICU currently working the night shift. Anna’s very dedicated to her profession and her nursing career and could use a better vehicle to get to work safely.

I can remember from the day he could walk anytime he heard sirens he would come running. He used to wait by the TV to watch Emergency 911. He has volunteered at the Holley Fire Dept. since he was 14, became a jr firefighter, first responder to Kendall Chief. When available, he never misses a call, he even leaves family events to help others even holidays. He volunteers at other fire companies when needed. He never brags or asks for thanks. He even follows to hospitals and waits for outcomes. He is well known in the community. He has had to seek help because some calls break his heart but he keeps going to save lives and put out fires. I know he is my hero!

Det. Alan Ortiz, a friend and a true hero, whose actions have always been an inspiration. Along with being a Buffalo Police Det. he is also a Master Diver on the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Unit (U.R.T.), a father of 4 and a devoted family man. He has always put the safety and needs of others 1st. His heroism, bravery and selflessness doesn’t just stop when he removes his badge. This was showcased during a particular event that happened last Summer. While on the way home from a family outing late in the evening, Det. Ortiz noticed the taillights of a car in what he knew was a pond. He approached the vehicle and found 3 older individuals trapped inside with water quickly filling the car. With all the right skills, training and equipment Det. Ortiz immediately went into rescue mode. He used straps to attach the sinking vehicle to his personal vehicle to stop the car from further submerging into the pond. He was then able to get everyone freed from the car and out safely

I would be honored to nominate my wife, Ebony Kusmierski. Not only is she a USAR veteran, but she is now currently a Buffalo Firefighter. Her life has been dedicated to selfless service to her community. She has never asked what was in it for her, but, what more can she do to help her community. Her spare time is dedicated to being the head of the PTA at BuffSci charter school (Clare St), as well as going to the gym to make sure she is in peak condition for the citizens of Buffalo. She has never had good luck with vehicles. Constant repairs have taken its toll financially on her. I just wish she could depend on her vehicle as confidently as those around her depend on her.

.Jewel Weekley is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Not only has she served her country, but after her service, became a nurse. She is a mother of four who works hard to take care of her children and work full-time and more to provide for her family. Her husband Devon is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Jewel is a hard worker, always advocating for her patients in the hospital, caring for them as if they were her own family. She's a dedicated mom as well, always making time in her busy work schedule to make it to hockey games, baseball games, and spend quality time with her children. She spent a period of time as a travel nurse as well, travelling back and forth from areas such as Jamestown and Rochester to see her family but also work in some of the shortest staffed areas during the pandemic. She is a blessing to her coworkers and patients, a team player. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate, who I believe qualifies as both a veteran and a first responder.

Logan is an EMT, a part time employee of Orchard Park ambulance, a full time dispatcher for Amherst Fire, a member of the Elma FD and is just completing her paramedic course. She is committed to the service of others and is kind and sympathetic. Logan is also a graduate of RIT and has had her film on the Bills Mafia shown at both the Buffalo and Toronto Film Festivals.

Derek served our country with distinction from 2004 to 2016. He was deployed twice to Kirkuk, Iraq, 06 and 08, where he fulfilled his duties with honor and integrity in challenging and perilous conditions. Derek developed a number of unseen medical conditions as a consequence of his service, which not immediately apparent; physical and psychological toll of these conditions has strained relationships and created significant hardships. Derek has persevered and continues to bear the scars of his service with dignity. One of the most heartbreaking experiences of his career was the loss of his best friend during a training exercise. This tragic event deeply affected Derek, compounding the emotional burdens he carries from his service. Despite the daily struggles that accompany his unseen wounds, he remains proud of his contribution to his country and exemplifies the spirit of a true patriot.

Jake is my younger brother and deserves this more than anyone. He and his wife recently had pre mature twin boys at 22 weeks in December of 2023. They unfortunately lost one of their boys after 7 days and Knox has been fighting at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo since he was born on December 6 2023. Jake and Amber travel to Buffalo on a daily basis to be with their baby boy spending countless hours in the NICU. Jake has been a fireman since 2019 and has been through plenty of ups and downs. Please support Jake and his family by selecting him for a new car.

Leon served his country proudly during the Vietnam War and has been a dedicated father, grandfather, husband, and patriot. His commitment to his country is matched only by his devotion to his family. At 69 years old, Leon is preparing for retirement in the next couple of years. Winning a car would speed up his well-deserved retirement. Leon has always been a pillar of strength and support for our family, ensuring that we have everything we need. He has worked tirelessly to provide for us, never asking for anything in return. Throughout his life, Leon has demonstrated unwavering patriotism and a strong sense of duty. His contributions during the Vietnam War and his continued support for the community through mentoring make him a role model. This would be a well-deserved reward for a man who has given so much to others.

I am so very proud to nominate 1SG Ryan. He is my son in law and I couldn't have asked for a better partner, husband, Dad, or team member than Daniel. He is so dedicated to his Army family and his own. He never turns down a chance to learn and teach new things to his fell team mates. He is an Airborne Ranger and advanced Mountaineer. He's attended Jungle School, Pathfinder school and is a Jumpmaster for jumps out of planes and helicopters. His determination to make things better for the next group of soldiers is outstanding. He always goes above and beyond. Knowing what heartaches our service members endure is beyond belief. This young man before 30 saw 5 deployments. This mans uniform speaks volumes for all that he has done. Dan would give his shirt off his back to his team. The family is about to move back from overseas. I will with honor nominate 1Sgt. Ryan for a vehicle that him and is family could enjoy with Team Ryan on all their adventures take the boys and 1 dog, Scout.

He is a combat veteran serving in Iraq. Also is a mentor and physical trainer to youth in the community. Is a struggling small business owner who needs a dependable vehicle. He is a 100% disabled veteran.

My husband was a dedicated Soldier and Airmen and currently a dedicated veteran. He has done so much and continues to do so much doing his best to take care of his family and also tries to assist and help others even though we don't have much. My husband's dedication is superfluous he goes above and beyond and truly believes and everything that he does. My husband doesn't think twice about handing over his cash tips to the homeless veterans that we passed by when we during our gig work deliveries. I truly believe that my husband deserves some recognition but he will simply say that's just what he does he loves to help others even though at times we need some help he goes above and beyond.

Nate Gainey , I cant say enough about this guy . He is a good friend and an all around great person . I cant think of a more deserving person to win a new car . Hes well known in the community for being a star athelete and excelled in his career as a Buffalo Police officer . He's the number one pick in my book hands down .

Alicia is a great person. She goes out of her way to help people, even those she doesn't know. She is a single Mom who deserves something for herself. Everyone loves her. She has also done a great deal for me, as I am disabled.

I am reaching out to nominate my son for a car because he has shown extraordinary responsibility and dedication in all facets of his life. He served with great honor in the Marine Corps and is now starting a new chapter as a police officer, dedicated to protecting and serving his community. From excelling academically to actively participating in community service, he consistently goes the extra mile. Having reliable transportation would be incredibly beneficial in supporting his efforts to continue pursuing his goals and making positive contributions to his community. This car would not only serve as a recognition of his hard work but also as a crucial tool to help him achieve his future aspirations.

I would like to nominate my husband Deputy Joe Tortorella of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. In April of 2015 Joe was involved in a shootout with a suspect that had just shot both of his parents. Joe subdued the gunman returning fire striking the suspect ending the threat to Errick Road Elementary School which was less than 100 feet from where gunfire was being exchanged. I was teaching kindergarten in the school and two of our three children and 100’s of others were inside. Joe was awarded the presidential Medal of Valor from then President Barrack Obama. Joe is selfless every day at work always giving back to the community. He drives a 2010 Toyota Tundra with 230,000 Miles on it and it Would be a blessing to receive a new vehicle. Joe is a 20 year veteran of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and one of the nations highest decorated officers living right here in WNY. Please consider Joe For this amazing honor as he has sacrificed himself for the WNY area for many years!