Big Tree Installs Officers at Annual Installation Banquet

January 7, 2006:

On January 7, 2006, the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company held its annual awards ceremony and installation dinner. Stan Figel member of the Frontier School Board and Big Tree member, presided as the master of ceremonies. The banquet, which was held in Big Tree's banquet hall at station 1, included cocktails, dinner, installation of officers, an awards ceremony, and an evening of dancing. Members of the Big Tree community were joined by special guests from neighboring fire companies and the Town of Hamburg Board.

Installed as the 2006 firematic line officers were Chief Chris Zak, 1st Assistant Chief Ron Klimowicz, 2nd Assistant Chief Ed Hughes, EMS Chief Jeff Gruppo, Fire Captains Mike Reed and Jeff Roth, Rescue Captain Branden Watson, Rescue Lieutenant Tom Makin, Lieutenants Chris Maser, Tom Gilmore, John Carlin Jr., Ken Page, Fire Police Captain Dave Carter, EMS Lieutenant Samantha Isula, and Dan Ristine Safety Officers Chris Hull and John Carlin Sr., Fire Prevention Officer Andy Booker, and Accountability Officers Carol Covert and Rick Jedynak.

On the administrative side, installed officers included President Dan Bozek, Vice President Bob Stoberl, Secretary Carol Covert, Treasurer Norman Drabek, Financial Secretary James Cackovich, and Sgt. at Arms Jeff Hosie. Serving as Trustees for 2006 are Adam Bozek, Rick Jedynak, Rob Pruski, Dave Patton and Stan Figel.

For exemplary service during 2005, Jason Bering received the "Rookie of the Year" award and Adam Bozek received the "Firefighter of the Year" award. The annual "Top Cop" award was presented to Dave Coffey. For 2005, the "EMS Provider of the Year" award was given to Tom Makin.