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.