UTICA, N.Y. — Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, hosted First Responders Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Utica State Office Building, honoring the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting the Mohawk Valley.
The event, held in partnership with Highstreet Gates-Cole Insurance, featured the presentation of a New York State Legislative Resolution officially proclaiming October 28 as First Responders Day in the State of New York.
Buttenschon sponsored the resolution and it was adopted by the New York State Assembly adopted it. The resolution recognizes and honors the everyday heroes who serve their communities with courage, compassion and unwavering dedication.
“Today is about showing our appreciation for the men and women who never hesitate to help others,” Buttenschon said. “Our first responders give so much of themselves, often without recognition, and they do it out of love for their community. This event is just a small gesture compared to the sacrifices they make, but it comes from a place of genuine gratitude and deep respect for all they do.”
Throughout the morning, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and other emergency personnel gathered to connect, share stories and reflect on their shared mission of protecting the public.
During the ceremony, Buttenschon presented each nominee with a New York State Assembly Certificate of Recognition and Gates-Cole Insurance presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation.
William T. Cole of Gates-Cole Insurance thanked all first responders. Gates-Cole insures more than 100 local fire departments and ambulance agencies and over 50 municipalities.
“We want to thank all first responders for their tireless dedication to keeping our communities and our neighbors safe,” Cole said. “Your commitment, courage, and service do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.”
Correction Officer Luis Roman from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office attended the event and shared his personal story, thanking the first responders who helped save his life, several of whom were in the room being honored that very morning.
During a medical emergency earlier this year, Roman required immediate assistance. His coworker, CO Bradley Chapman, provided life-saving care and administered Narcan, while Paramedic Kristopher Joseph from Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps transported Officer Roman to the hospital and stayed by his side until his family arrived.
Buttenschon invited chiefs from local fire, police, and ambulance agencies to nominate members of their departments who go above and beyond in service to others.
This year’s honorees were:
– Captain Barton Paczkowski, Rome Fire Department. Paczowski was recognized for his bravery during a February 2025 building collapse rescue and for his ongoing mentorship and training excellence within the department.
– Firefighter/Paramedic Garret Tomaino, Utica Fire Department. Tomaino was honored for his exceptional service since 2011 and celebrated for his calm under pressure, technical proficiency and unrelenting commitment to the safety of both residents and his fellow firefighters.
– Assistant Chief Daryl Buornatt, Oriskany Fire Department. Buornatt is a 40-year member who has served as a line officer and recently excelled as training coordinator in local education and on a statewide FASNY committee.
– Lieutenant Thomas Dwyer, New York Mills Fire Department. A senior EMT and longtime fire safety advocate, he has educated nearly 700 students this year and has held leadership positions statewide, including Central New York Firefighters Association President.
– Assistant Fire Chief Steve Pawlinga, Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department. Pawlinga was recognized for his tireless dedication to the department and the citizens of Deerfield.
– Assistant Fire Chief Scott Adsit, Yorkville Fire Department. Adsit is a respected asset to the department, bringing years of experience, calm leadership during crises and a deep commitment to public safety. Known for his kindness and ability to mentor others, he exemplifies the qualities of a true servant-leader.
– Assistant Chief Randal B. Caldwell, Maynard Fire Department. Caldwell is a 42-year member of the Maynard Fire Department who continues to lead by example and upholds the highest standards of firefighter training.
– Safety Officer Brian McQueen, Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department. McQueen leads the Fire Prevention program for the Deptartment. He organized the visits to the Whitesboro Central School along with the day care programs in the fire protection program of the village of Whitesboro.
– Investigator Renee DeLong, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Unit. DeLong Honored for her dedication to protecting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring offenders are held accountable.
– Officer Scott Eisenhart, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division. Commended for his quick action administering life-saving CPR and Narcan while on duty, saving an overdose victim’s life.
– Correction Officer Bradley Chapman, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility.
Recognized for his life-saving response to a medical emergency inside the jail, administering Narcan and calling for help that led to a successful recovery.
– Lieutenant Michael Curley, Utica Police Department. Curley was celebrated for his leadership within the department’s criminal investigation division, his role as public information officer and his dedication to transparency and service.
– Officer Rick Hill, Utica Police Department. Hill was honored for his role as program manager for state accreditation and his leadership in maintaining professional standards across the department.
– Officers Amanda Maciol, Marissa Vomer and Therapy Dog Penny, Utica Police Department.
Recognized for their outstanding work with the department’s Crisis Response Unit, assisting residents facing mental health challenges and connecting them to services.
– Officer Matthew Heinrich, Rome Police Department. Heinrich is a seven-year veteran of the Rome Police Department. Throughout his service, he has been a consistently proactive and positive presence. As a five-year member of the Honor Guard, Officer Heinrich regularly volunteers his time to honor both the community and the law enforcement profession.
– Officer Michael Firley, Village of Yorkville Police Department. Firley has led multiple complex felony cases including rape and larceny investigations. His professionalism, empathy toward victims and dedication to justice reflect the highest standards of law enforcement and community service.
– Senior Investigator Doug Rusinko, NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations. Rusinko has shown leadership in locating and safely apprehending dangerous parole fugitives. He embodies compassion by supporting families in need during the holidays, organizing donations and gifts for children statewide.
– Paramedic/Field Supervisor Kristopher Joseph, Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance
Corps. Joseph joined COCVAC as a Junior Member at just 16 years old. He embodies leadership, compassion, and a true commitment to lifelong learning and community care.
– EMT/Field Training Officer Robert Reska, Kunkel Ambulance. Reska has served Kunkel Ambulance since 2010. As a Field Training Officer, Robert takes great pride in teaching new hires how to become proficient, confident street providers.
– Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Frank Haig, Mercy Flight Central. Haig’s work and his 15 years of aviation maintenance experience is vital to Mercy Flight Central’s mission.
“I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices these men and women make,” Buttenschon said. “They deserve our support, our advocacy, and our endless gratitude, not just today, but every day.”
