Winners

Larry is a deputy sheriff at the holding center in Buffalo,NY. He works very hard with some very difficult prisoners. Mostly prisoners with mental illness or drug addiction. He is very calm, fair and caring to them. He has dealt with the worst of the worst fairly. He treats everyone with respect. The facility’s forensic counselors love him. His superiors breathe a sigh of relief when he’s there. I couldn’t be prouder!

There are several reasons why I want to nominate my husband. Not only is he an amazing husband (13 years) but he is also an amazing and dedicated father of 3 equally amazing children. Phil and I were married and faced many challenges early on. He has always been my rock. He has served both in Iraq (OIF) and as well as in Afghanistan (OEF). Since his honorable discharge from the Army he has faced PTSD and several obstacles along the way, but never gave up. He worked his way till he found his dream job working in Health Care as a medical assistant. When Covid hit he didn't stop or quit his job in Urgent Care. He kept working. Even when he caught covid himself. If my husband was chosen to win this, I believe in my heart that this would be an amazing way for him to see that we all see HIM. We all see the hard work and effort that he puts in every day. This would mean the world.

I am nominating Adam because over the last 10 years I have watched his back slowly deteriorate and become worse. He never complains no matter how much he is hurting, he always puts his kids first. Like most we have come across hard times financially to the point where we had to get rid of our van due to mechanical issues and not having money to fix it. So now we can no longer can travel anywhere as a family with our kids. He is no longer able to work so is a stay at home dad while I work and go to school full time to become a nurse. I would love to give my husband a car so he is able to travel with our kids.

As a Fire Chief, a NYS Fire Instructor, and an active member of the Air National Guard, Josh holds himself to the highest standards of excellence. This allows not only his team, but the community he serves, to reach their greatest potential. The combination volunteer and career department Josh leads has seen a renewed sense of unity and an increase in confidence among members to strive for more professionally; due to specialized training, new equipment and safety measures Josh provided. Anyone who is privileged to spend time with Josh, knows that he will be the first one to support them in anything they are pursuing. As someone who constantly puts others and their successes before his own, there is no one more deserving of being recognized for his unmatched dedication and passion for the fire service, extensive accomplishments, and heart of gold. Watching Josh beam with pride over his firefighters, soldiers, and especially his children instantly makes it an honor to know him.

I nominate Israel Soto jr. He was a Army medic with the Army national guard out of the Connecticut street armory who were deployed for Operation Iraqi freedom. He was both in Taji and Baghdad Iraq during his tour. Also, prior to his deployment he along with his unit answered the call during Sept. 9/11 serving the country at ground zero. He has also served as Cadre for the Corp of cadets helping" at risk youth" earning him citizen soldier of the year. He has been a loving and faithful husband for 20 years. He's a wonderful and encouraging father to his two sons. I feel he deserves the opportunity to win a new vehicle because he's given and done so much for our country. A new vehicle at this time for him would be a God send as his current is now over 15 years old.

I feel that Ken exemplifies what it is to be a leader within his fire district. He pursues his passion of firefighting to be a compassionate servant and help his community. He is always working toward obtaining more wisdom and knowledge of his position. With that said, due to his willingness to alway be better and strive for the best he has worked up the ladder numerous positions, from President to the various ranks of Lieutenant, to Captain and now 2nd Asst. Chief in the last 4-5 years. He is an inspiration and a staple in the community.

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

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 .

Donna is a RN who worked at ECMC for many years and now volunteers in a clinic at Friends of Night People which gives care to the poor and undomiciled and provides a clinical experience for UB medical students. Donna has no desire to keep any prize, should she win. Her goal is to donate any prize to a nonprofit organization.

David has been with the Genesee Coutny Sheriff’s office for about 12 years. First as a dispatcher, then as a road deputy, now as an investigator. He is a fire arms instructor, CIT, DRE, FTO and holds several other titles I can’t keep up with. He cares about his community and has shown this through the countless hours dedicated to the sheriffs office. He has been awarded officer of the year in past years. In May 2020, he was shot at in a pursuit with a tractor trailer that went cross several counties. The bullet was less than an inch from his head. I was pregnant with our second child, due in August. This was probably the closest call we’ve had yet, though he’s been a part of several critical incidents. No call has never deterred him from doing what is needed to protect those in the community. He always does what is needed and what is right. He makes sure to provide for our family, even when it means he misses out at times. He’s an amazing father and husband. He deserves the world.

My husband was deployed to Afghanistan (arghandab river valley) in 2009 with his 82nd airborne infantry unit. Two months before he was scheduled to come home he was hit with an IED and lost his left leg. His right leg sustained major injuries and he had to wear an external fixator for over 6 months. He slowly learned how to walk again and it took him almost two years to fully recover at Walter reed. He truly is a hero and deserves this more than anyone I know. He currently drives a 2012 Chevy Silverado that is basically rotting out from all of the rust, despite him spending $3,000 to get it welded last year. I believe he deserves to be recognized for his sacrifices for our country and all that he’s done for us. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this!

I am honored to nominate my daughter, Morgan, for the Vehicles for Vets program. Morgan is a proud United States Air Force veteran who served in Security Forces, protecting and serving with the highest level of dedication and honor. She has carried those same values of integrity, respect, and selflessness into every part of her civilian life. Morgan has always been passionate about helping others. Whether it is lending a hand in the community, supporting fellow veterans, or showing kindness to a stranger, she is the type of person who puts others first. She treats people with respect no matter their background and she leads by example. The past few years have been incredibly challenging for her from personal hardships to financial struggles but she has never let those obstacles define her. Instead, she continues to work hard, stay positive, and push forward with the determination I have admired in her since she was young. A reliable vehicle would make a tremendous difference.

I am nominating my brother Justin kiesznoski because for as long as I can remember he has always put others before himself. Anytime anyone has needed anything he has been right there doing whatever he could to help out. There is no limit to his kindness and generosity, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He has always been there for me whenever I needed help or advice. A short time ago I got hurt at work and was going further into debt with being out of work and my brother allowed me to move in with him rent free just so I can get out of debt. He is currently going through a rough patch right now, he has one vehicle down and one that's in and out of the shop, and financially he is hurting, and he is in need of a reliable vehicle for his wife and kids to get them to appointments and functions. I think he deserves this opportunity for all the good that he puts into the world. That's the type of person my brother is and that's why I think he deserves a new vehicle.