Twenty-three firefighters, police officers, emergency medical professionals and correctional employees were recognized for lifesaving work, leadership and community service.

Mohawk Valley first responder honorees from agencies across Oneida County gathered in Utica on Oct. 28, where 23 people received New York State Assembly Certificates of Recognition for work ranging from emergency medical care and fugitive investigations to firehouse reconstruction, training and community support.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon hosted First Responders Appreciation Day with AAA Northeast at Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar. The ceremony followed months of nominations from local departments and put individual names and public-service records behind a broad phrase that often appears only after a crisis: first responders.

The gathering also marked Assembly Resolution K1437, which the Assembly adopted on May 21. The measure asks the governor to proclaim Oct. 28 as First Responders Day in New York. The official resolution text describes first responders as the people who make quick decisions in emergencies and often place themselves in danger to protect others.

Why the Mohawk Valley first responder honorees were recognized

The honoree descriptions below come from the departments that submitted nominations and from Buttenschon’s official post-event release. They show that public safety depends on more than a single dramatic rescue. It also depends on preparation, maintenance, mentoring, investigation, record keeping and steady service over many years.

“We owe so much to our friends and neighbors who answer the call,” Buttenschon said in the release. She previously served as Mohawk Valley Community College’s dean of public service and emergency preparedness.

AAA Northeast representative Patricia Kuepper-Artessa said the organization was proud to recognize people whose commitment strengthens their departments and communities. AAA’s participation also reflects its long-running focus on traffic safety and the roadside risks faced by police, fire, ambulance and highway workers.

Fire and emergency medical service honorees

Leadership, rebuilding and decades of service

Chief Kevin Kalk of the Barneveld Volunteer Fire Department was recognized for leading the department through the reconstruction of its station after the building was destroyed. The nomination also noted his service as a director with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and his work teaching other firefighters across the state.

Chief George Massarotti of the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department was honored for efforts to modernize a fire station that dates to 1969. His nomination also cited his fire-safety knowledge and service beyond the local department.

Firefighter Joseph Rzepka of the New York Mills Volunteer Fire Department was recognized for more than 40 years of service. He has served as a Truck Company captain and has used his mechanical skills to help repair and maintain department vehicles.

Past Chief Jared Pearl of the Maynard Fire Department was honored after 34 years with the department, including 12 years as chief. Pearl is an advanced emergency medical technician, and his nomination cited work as a fire investigator and instructor. The Utica Phoenix previously reported on the department’s service when a Maynard firefighter received the New York State Liberty Medal for helping rescue a woman from a burning home.

Firefighter Tim Flihan of the Utica Fire Department was recognized for professional development and service across several specialty areas. His nomination cited his pursuit of paramedic certification, participation in fire investigation, water rescue and rope rescue, and work with recruit training and public outreach.

Capt. Joe Zwijacz of the Rome Fire Department was honored for advancing the department’s technology and rescue capacity. His nomination pointed to the department’s drone program, technical-rescue instruction, communications work and implementation of the First Due records system.

Lifesaving medical care

Paramedic Michael Haas of the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department was recognized for emergency care provided on June 3. According to the nomination, Haas controlled severe bleeding and delivered lifesaving treatment. The release did not identify the patient or provide details that would compromise medical privacy.

That distinction matters. Emergency medical care can become public news when several agencies respond, but patients and families still deserve privacy. The most useful public takeaway is the role of rapid bleeding control and trained medical response, not speculation about the person who needed help.

Police and sheriff’s office honorees

Patrol, investigations and victim support

Officer Thomas Guca of the Yorkville Police Department was honored for his day-shift work and for helping bring an incident involving an armed person to a safe conclusion, according to his nomination.

Trooper Matthew Nell of New York State Police Troop D was recognized for proactive public-safety work, including arrests and traffic enforcement. Troop D covers Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego and Onondaga counties, making its road and criminal-enforcement work part of daily life across Central New York.

Three members of the Utica Police Department’s Warrants Unit were recognized for work with a U.S. Marshals task force. Sgt. Charles Goldstein, Investigator William Williams and Investigator Steven Gomez were honored for efforts to locate and apprehend people wanted in serious cases. Their nominations emphasized coordination, persistence and work that reaches beyond city boundaries.

Officer Rocco Zasa of the Utica Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit was honored for supporting victims and families. The nomination cited his work through the STRIVE grant and assistance provided to hundreds of families. Readers seeking help should not post identifying details about an active or personal case in public comments. In an immediate emergency, call 911.

Officer Jared Longo of the Utica Police Department’s Uniform Patrol Division was recognized for proactive patrol and impaired-driving enforcement. His nomination also listed service with the Mobile Field Force, Bike Patrol and Tactical Unit.

Lt. Josef Hall of the Rome Police Department was honored for leadership, mentoring and work to improve department operations. Those behind-the-scenes duties can affect how quickly officers receive information, how new officers develop and how consistently a department handles calls.

Community care and countywide operations

Special Patrol Officers Mark Dembrow and Keith Grogan of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were jointly recognized for supporting the Clinton community after a tragedy. Their nomination said they provided a safe place and comfort to people affected. The release did not disclose personal details, and this report does not add speculation.

Sgt. Michael Ladd Jr. of the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was honored for leading work aimed at removing illegal drugs from the community. His nomination also cited investigations involving illegal or untaxed substances sold in corner stores.

Lt. Dominick Belmonte of the Sheriff’s Office Civil Division was recognized for service dating to 1999 and for managing daily operations and a large caseload. Civil divisions perform court-related duties that are less visible than emergency calls but remain essential to the local justice system.

Sgt. Jenna McDaniels of the Sheriff’s Office Correctional Division was honored for developing training curriculum, working with the Basic Academy and supporting the department’s Peer Support program. Training and peer support are important parts of workplace readiness in high-stress public-safety jobs.

Marcy Correctional Facility honorees

Three employees at Marcy Correctional Facility were recognized for their response to a life-threatening emergency. The official release did not describe the underlying event, so the Utica Phoenix is not identifying a patient or adding details that were not made public.

Deputy Superintendent for Security Aleck Kierpiec was honored for securing the scene and coordinating the response. Lt. James Zike was recognized for beginning lifesaving measures. Nurse Practitioner Brandi Corigliano was honored for leading medical operations and coordinating care.

Together, those roles show how correctional emergency response requires security and medical teams to act at the same time. Clear command, scene safety and immediate care can all be necessary before outside support arrives.

What this recognition means for local residents

The Oct. 28 ceremony was ceremonial, but the work described in the nominations touches practical local concerns. Fire-station rebuilding affects response readiness. Vehicle maintenance keeps apparatus available. Training programs prepare new responders. Warrants work can require coordination across jurisdictions. Domestic-violence units connect victims with support. Correctional medical response must work inside a secure setting.

The list also shows why the phrase “first responder” should not be limited to the person seen at the front of an emergency scene. Dispatch, training, maintenance, records, supervision, victim services and interagency planning can shape the outcome before or after the public sees flashing lights.

For readers, the most useful steps are simple:

• Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, safety or property.
• Give responders room to work and follow lawful directions at an active scene.
• Do not share a victim’s name, medical information or private images without consent.
• Use official department channels for non-emergency questions, records and community programs.
• Consider volunteer, training or public-education opportunities offered by local fire and emergency-service agencies.

The event was announced earlier in October, when the Utica Phoenix published a preview explaining how departments could submit nominations. The post-event release supplied the final list and the reasons each person was selected, making this follow-up a record of the honorees rather than a repeat of the announcement.

A public record of service, with room for accountability

Recognition does not replace public oversight. Police, fire, emergency medical and correctional agencies exercise significant authority and carry major responsibilities. Residents can honor strong service while also asking clear questions about training, staffing, response times, funding, safety and accountability.

Readers are invited to share respectful examples of public-service programs that have helped their neighborhood, or questions they believe local agencies should answer. Please protect victims’ privacy, avoid naming minors and do not post details that could interfere with an active investigation or court case.