Photos and story by Julie Carasone
The Town of Batavia Fire Department held their annual banquet and Installation dinner at Terry Hills on Saturday evening.
Firefighter of the Year went to a 20-year-old graduate of Batavia High School, Clayton Gorski. Described by Chief Dan Coffey, “Gorski is someone that never says no. He is always learning, wanting to help and there to do anything”.
“I enjoy being there for people when they are in their darkest moments. If I can help them, then that’s all that matters, ” says Gorski.
The Town of Batavia Fire Department responded to 377 calls for service for the year 2018 and racked up 1,189 county training hours, which was the most in Genesee County in 2018.
Tyler Stewart was the Top Responder for 2018, responding to 264 calls.
Tyler Stewart,19, a graduate of Batavia High School, says that he has been with the department for a year. He says he volunteered to be a firefighter not only because of his friends, but because he wanted to help the community and be there for people. “Not only do I get to help people, but the fire department is family, ” says Stewart.
The top responders with 100 plus calls are:
1. Tyler Stewart 264
2. James Bouton 241
3. Clayton Gorski 202
4. Thomas Garlock 195
5. Robert Tripp 169
6. Ian Sanfratello 162
7. Dave Tran 149
8. Steve Kowalcyk 146
9. Scott Maloy 141
10. Joshua Boyle 135
11. Paul Dibble 128
12. Gary Diegelman 115
13. Thomas Marlowe 115
14. Scott Garlock 107
15. John Garlock 106
16. Bryan Moscicki 101
17. Dan Coffey 100
New to the banquet this year, instead of using funds to give out gifts, the department decided unanimously to donate money to a local charity.
This year’s charity was the “Michael Napoleone Foundation”. On hand to receive the donation was Laurie and Mark Napoleone, who talked about what their foundation does and the great work they do for the community and local families. The Town of Batavia Fire Department donated $1,000 to the ‘Michael Napoleone Foundation”.
Chief Dan Coffey also thanked the family members in attendance. “Without them and their support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” says Coffey.
