Big Tree Installs Officers at Annual Installation Banquet

January 8, 2005:

On January 8, 2005, the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company held its annual awards ceremony and installation dinner. Jerry Baldelli, past Principal of the Frontier Senior High school, 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 2005 firematic line officers were Chief Bob Stoberl, 1st Assistant Chief Christopher Zak, 2nd Assistant Chief Ron Klimowicz, EMS Chief Ken Page, Captains Jeff Gruppo and Dan Bozek, Lieutenant Chris Maser, Fire Police Captain Dave Patton, EMS Captain Jamie-Lynn Winkler, EMS Lieutenant Samantha Isula, Safety Officers Chris Hull and John Carlin Sr., Fire Prevention Officers John Carlin Jr. and Tom Makin, and Accountability Officers Carol Covert and Rick Jedynak.

On the administrative side, installed officers included President Dan Bozek, Vice President Bob Brown, Secretary Carol Covert, Treasurer Norman Drabek, Financial Secretary Branden Watson and Sgt. at Arms Jeff Hosie. Serving as Trustees for 2005 are Adam Bozek, Rick Jedynak, Warren Ristine, Dave Patton and Stan Figel.

For exemplary service during 2004, Samanth Isula received the "Rookie of the Year" award and Dave Carter received the "Firefighter of the Year" award. The annual "Top Cop" award was presented to Bob Krone and Joe Kleinfelder for their excellent efforts in assisting Big Tree's EMS squad in saving the life of a pediatric cardiac arrest victim. For 2004, the "EMS Provider of the Year" award was given to a team of company members who aided in the resuscitation of that same pediatric cardiac arrest victim. Recipients of the EMS Provider of the Year award were Kurt Hodson, Chris Hull, Chris Maser, Rob Pruski, Bob Stoberl, Jamie-Lynn Winkler, and Chris Zak.