Fire Service Community Achievement Award

 

FASNY’s annual Fire Service Community Achievement Award recognizes an individual who complements active fire service with involvement in civic organizations, charitable programs, and other community groups.

Ex-Captain Gerard W. Brown, a 50-year volunteer member of the Baldwin Fire Department on Long Island, checks all those boxes – and then some!

Brown, or “Jerry,” as he is known to the department and community of Baldwin, has enjoyed an outstanding career unparalleled in effort and positive results.

“Jerry’s initiative and foresight have resulted in new and innovative programs adopted by our department over the years,” said Timothy Hagan, captain, Hook and Ladder Company Two. “His leadership qualities and ability to think outside the box have brought many members into the loop of training, brotherhood, and dedication.”

Hagan credits firefighter Brown for transitioning Baldwin Fire Department into the modern era of firefighting.  It was he who introduced advanced training and firefighter safety, while maintaining “old school values.”

Whether he’s battling fires or helping others around the firehouse, Brown’s positive energy — dubbed “iron man firefighting” by many — rubs off on colleagues and other local and national departments in need of help. His infectious outlook has also played an important role helping Baldwin Fire Department maintain its overall high call average.

Besides his devotion to the fire service, Brown, a lifelong resident of Baldwin, finds time to give thousands of hours to help neighbors, friends, and youth in the community flourish.  A respected community leader, he serves his hometown as a volunteer, sanitation commissioner, activist, teacher, conservationist and mentor.

“Jerry has a strong desire to help those around him and leads by example, never asking anyone to do what he would not do himself,” said Hagan. “He’s the person you call when all else has failed.

“Jerry doesn’t just preach the brotherhood, he lives it,” he added. “He accomplishes all this while remaining a devoted family man.”

Past Award Recipients

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.