Fire Service Community Achievement Award
2025 Winner
Megan McDonough
Frontier Volunteer Fire Company
Fire Service Community Achievement Award Application Download Application
EMS Lieutenant Megan McDonough exemplifies leadership, innovation, and service within the Frontier Volunteer Fire Company and her community.
Over the past four years, she has played a critical role in modernizing EMS operations and revamping the department’s Continuing Education Program.
“Megan has dedicated countless hours to building training that empowers our responders and strengthens our capabilities,” said Fire Chief Alan Perry.
A BLS CPR and Stop the Bleed instructor, McDonough mentors Junior firefighters and fosters a culture of excellence. She also serves with Tri-Community Ambulance and the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in emergency management.
Known for her compassion, she often says, “When we lift each other’s weaknesses and forge them into strengths, we rise — not alone but as one unstoppable force.”
Beyond her fire service duties, McDonough donates handmade blankets to animal shelters and books to community libraries. Her dedication earned her the 2023 Frontier Firefighter of the Year Award and Catholic Health’s Excellence in Patient Care Award.
“Her ability to overcome obstacles and lead by example is paving the way for future generations of women in this industry,” said Ambulance Chief Sherri Reischel. “She is truly inspiring.”
Past Award Recipients
| 2024 | John Kryger (Posthumously) | West Haverstraw Fire Department |
| 2023 | Ex-Captain Gerard W. Brown | Baldwin Fire Department |
| 2022 | Nelson Delameter | Margaretville Fire Department |
| 2021 | Joseph Lenhardt | Whitesboro Fire Department |
| 2020 | Michael A. Baker | Archville Fire Co. |
| 2019 | Primo Biscaro | Erie Hose Co., Warsaw Fire Department |
| 2017 | Thomas J. Cuff, Jr. | Levittown Fire Department |
| 2016 | John McKenna | Northport Volunteer Fire Department |
| 2015 | Donald E. Snyder | Wantagh Fire Department |
| 2014 | Martin Horanburg | Miller Hose Company, Inc. |
| 2012 | Stanley Figiel | Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company |
| 2011 | Brian J. Greck | Medford Fire Department |
| 2010 | Ernest Matthews | Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company |
| 2009 | Philip F. DeLorenzo | Piermont Volunteer Fire Department |
| 2008 | Thomas P. Sullivan | Mombasha Fire Company |
| 2007 | Warren J. Rathke (deceased) | Wrights Corners Fire Company |
| 2006 | James Crowley | Woodstock Fire Company #4 |
| 2005 | Joseph E. Sills, Jr. | A. H. Wicks Engine & Truck Company, Kingston |
| 2004 | John S. DaVanzo (deceased) | Mineola Fire Department |
| 2003 | No Award Given | |
| 2002 | James Mahoney (deceased) | Northport Fire Department |
| 2001 | Bernard O. Monson (deceased) | Albertson Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co. |
| 2000 | No Award Given | |
| 1999 | Robert V. Lyon (deceased) | Setauket Fire Department, East Setauket |
| 1998 | William A. Wutz (deceased) | Hutchinson Hose Company, Williamsville |
| 1997 | William J. Reilly (deceased) | West Babylon Fire Department |
| 1996 | Richard F. Laitenberger (deceased) | Union Hill Fire Department, Webster |
| 1995 | Gus Wehrlin (deceased) | Farmington Volunteer Fire Association, Inc |
| 1994 | Joseph B. Kuhn (deceased) | Penfield Fire Company, Inc. |