January 4, 2003:

Big Tree Installs Officers at Annual Installation Banquet

On January 4, 2003, the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company held its annual awards ceremony and installation dinner. Erie County Executive Joel Giambra served as the master of ceremonies that were held at the Big Tree Fire Hall. Both the administrative and firematic officers for the company were installed during the ceremonies.

This year's administrative officers include Warren Ristine (President), Dan Bozek (Vice President), Carol Covert (Secretary), Norman Drabek (Treasurer), Rosemary Donahue (Financial Secretary) and Jeffrey Hosie (Sgt. At Arms). Dave Patton, Adam Bozek, Robert Gawlak, Edward Hughes and Richard Jedynak were installed as company Trustees. For 2003, Curt Hodson, Mike Dembski and Daniel Smith will serve as Service Award Directors.

On the firematic side, the lineup of officers includes Robert Stoberl (Chief), Christopher Zak (1st Asst. Chief), Jeff Roth (2nd Asst. Chief), Ken Page (EMS Chief), Daniel Bozek (Station 1 Captain), Chris Hull (Station 2 Captain), Ronald Klimowicz (Rescue Captain), Jeffrey Zimmerman (Station 1 Lieutenant), Jamie-Lynn Janiszeski (EMS Captain), Jeffrey Gruppo (EMS Lieutenant), John Carlin Sr. (Safety Officer), Carol Covert (Accountability Officer), Richard Jedynak (Accountability Officer), Dave Patton (Fire Police Captain), Adam Bozek (Fire Police Lieutenant), Jeffrey Hosie (Fire Prevention Captain), John Makin (Fire Prevention Lieutenant) and Joe Doherty (Fire Prevention Captain Emeritus).

Firefighter Ken Page was awarded "Firefighter of the Year" and John Makin was named "Rookie of the Year". Town of Hamburg Police Officer Vince Puppo III was given the 2002 "Public Safety Recognition Award" for delivering a baby on September 13, 2002.
 
 
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra serves as Master of Ceremonies for the annual installation banquet.

Ken Page was named "Firefighter of the Year" for 2002.
 
 
The Rookie of the Year award was presented to John Makin Jr. (far right) by Chief Bob Stoberl (left) and Asst. Chief Jeff Roth (center).
Company Trustees were installed during the ceremonies. Front row from left to right - Dave Patton, Edward Hughes, Rick Jedynak. Back row left to right - Adam Bozek and Bob Gawlak.
 
 
Administrative officers were installed during the annual installation ceremony. Front row from left to right - Sgt. at Arms Jeff Hosie, Vice President Dan Bozek, President Warren Ristine, Secretary Carol Covert, Treasurer Norm Drabek, Financial Secretary Rosemary Donahue. Back row from left to right - Service Award Directors Dan Smith, Kurt Hodson and Mike Dembski.
Firematic line officers were installed during the annual installation banquet. Front row from left to right - Station 1 Captain Dan Bozek, EMS Chief Ken Page, Second Asst. Chief Jeff Roth, First Asst. Chief Chris Zak, Chief Bob Stoberl, Rescue Captain Ron Klimowicz. Rear row from left to right - Station 1 Lieutenant Jeff Zimmerman, Fire Prevention Lieutenant John Makin, Fire Prevention Captain Jeff Hosie, Accountability Officers Carol Covert and Rick Jedynak, EMS Lieutenant Jeff Gruppo, Fire Police Captain Dave Patton, Health & Safety Officer John Carlin.