Nominee Finalists

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.

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