The City of Dunkirk Fire Department has announced that three members of the Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Local 616 have recently completed the Recruit Firefighting Training Program held at the NYS Fire Academy in Montour Falls.The Recruit Firefighting Program is a comprehensive 13 week school that leads to NYS Certification in 14 different areas. It consists of both classroom, skill work, and to successfully complete the course each participant must pass both written exams and skill evaluation exercises. James D. Ellman was hired in April 2006 and completed his local training in June of that year. Local training consists of operational procedures of each fire apparatus, along with local firefighting operations and procedures. Ellman is also a NYS EMT, and is assigned as a relief firefighter.Jared Meyer was hired in January 2007 and is also a NYS EMT. Meyer completed his local training in June. Meyer is also assigned as a relief firefighter.Jason Kirell was hired in March 2007 and completed his local training in May. Kirell is also a NYS EMT, and is assigned as a relief firefighter. The newest member of Local 616, Paul Trippy had achieved his NYS Firefighting Certification during his previous employment at the Fredonia Fire Department prior to being hired by the Dunkirk Fire Department. (PHOTO BY ALLEN HOLLANDER)
Engine 1 Local 616 Firefighter and U.S. Army Reservist Robert Trzaska is scheduled for his third tour overseas starting Mid-January of 2008. Trzaska is expected to head to Afghanistan for approximately one year. Please keep Bob in your thoughts, and we all wish him a safe and prompt return. (PHOTO BY PAUL TRIPPY)
Firefighter Chuck Graves retired from his position as of January 1st of 2008. Graves has served the City of Dunkirk since 1985. His last position held was on the #1 shift on Ladder 1.
Dunkirk 616 Firefighters Nick Barter, Robert Thompson, and Henry Pencek recently complete the Minimum Standards of Firefighting from the New York State Fire Academy of Fire Science. Firefighter Thompson achieved the "Most Professional" award, given to him by his peers in his recruit class. Barter started his career as an Explorer and Volunteer Firefighter-Paramedic in the Fredonia Fire Department, and was employed by the Prince Georges County Fire Department in Maryland. Barter completed his remaining courses at the New York State of Fire Science in 2008 including his CPAT test. Thompson served the Dunkirk Fire Department as a volunteer for many years, as an active firefighter in the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company. Pencek is beginning his career for the Dunkirk Fire Department, and has completed the rigorous inhouse training program prior to attending the Fire Academy. Members of Local 616 congratulate and welcome these three firefighters and wish these three members a long and successful career.On March 23rd, 2009 Lieutenant Thomas Brown has announced his retirement from the City of Dunkirk Fire Department. Brown served the department for 36 years. Brown as an exceptional Firefighter-EMT, a leader loaded with knowledge, and an amazing individual. Through the years, Brown has positively influenced all of his co-workers. Members of Local 616 wish our Lt. great success in his retirement, and he will be sadly missed. (PHOTOS BY PAUL TRIPPY, ALLEN HOLLANDER, AND THE OBSERVER.
Members of the Dunkirk Water Rescue Team were fortunate to have recieved two Personal Watercraft drive on docks to place in the water inside Chadwick Bay Marina during boating season. This acquisition is very beneficial to the area, allowing immediate launching of the team's donated personal watercrafts (From Appolson Performance) to assist in water rescue incidents. These Connect-A-Dock's were graciously donated from The Kerry Company in Conneaut Lake PA and could not have been done without the efforts of team member Matthew Hazelton. (PHOTOS BY PAUL TRIPPY)
On August 21st, 2009, Members of Local 616 won their third consecutive hose race, by winning the event at the Farm Festival in Fredonia. Members of the winning team were 616 President/Lt. M.Edwards, FF.K.Ossman, FF.M.Hanlon, FF.A.Thomas, FF.J.Ellman, FF.J.Meyer, FF.J,Kirell, and FF.N.Barter. (PHOTOS BY RACHEL BARBARITZ)
During the summer of 2008, the Dunkirk Fire Department was fortunate to have received donations from Payne's Kettle and Keg and Walleye Willies owner James Payne, Dunkirk Exempts Firemen Club, and The Kosciusko Club to purchase (3) Cold Water Rescue Suits. (Mustang Suits) These suits can be used as floatation devices year round in any temperature. Members of the Dunkirk Fire Department thank the organziations who made this purchase possible, and after some training evolutions using the suits, the items were placed into service on Rescue 1 and Engine 3. (PHOTOS BY PAUL TRIPPY)