Tom Macaulay was recognized for 50 years of service to the department, Gary "Digger" Donaldson was honored as the Firefighter of the Year and Real "Frenchie" Coupal was named an honorary volunteer firefighter for his many years of support to the department.
"It’s important that we never forget the critical role our volunteer first responders play in assisting our North Country neighbors. The two firefighters honored by the Massena Volunteer Fire Department have a combined 99 volunteer years of distinguished service to their community," she said.
"That commitment to community service extends to the volunteers' families as well. Our first responders are always willing to answer the call of duty. They also dedicate countless hours to training and community service outside their role as firefighters to help our communities. That’s time spent away from their families, so these awards also represent families that were willing to share family members with their community," she noted.
Mr. Macaulay previously served as chief, captain and lieutenant before moving into his current role as the treasurer during his 50 years in the department. His brother, Joe, and son, Michael, are also active members of the Massena Volunteer Fire Department.
Mr. Donaldson's selection as the Massena Volunteer Fire Department's 2017 Firefighter of the Year reflected his many years of dedicated service to the community, including his service s chief on two separate occasions.
He has also played an important role in the department's fundraising activities, as the department's sergeant of arms, and is known for his institutional knowledge of the department and community, which he shares with his fellow firefighters.
Mr. Coupal was named an honorary member of the Massena Volunteer Fire Department for his long-time support of the organization and its members, and the focus he shares with his wife, Thelma, to give back to the community they call home.
"It’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to honor volunteers like Mr. Macaulay, Mr. Donaldson and Mr. Coupal for the good work they do in our communities," Assemblywoman Jenne.
"It was clear in talking to Mr. Macaulay and Mr. Donaldson that they love having the opportunity to help others in the community through their work with the fire department. Mr. and Mrs. Coupal are always there to support their community. They are there for the the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, the Massena Neighborhood Center and the Massena Memorial Hospital Foundation. That's just the start of a long list of organizations that benefit from the Coupals' support, " Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She said North Country are blessed to have volunteer firefighters eager to donate their time to benefit their communities.
Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out the dangers first responders face when they respond to emergency situations - and their willingness to literally run toward danger when others are running away -– reflect a unique type of community volunteer.
"We must never forget our volunteers are putting their health and safety at risk when they respond to emergencies. We unfortunately saw that just a couple of weeks when a veteran volunteer firefighter from the Brasher-Winthrop department suffered a fatal attack just a few hours after spending his night helping fight a warehouse fire in Massena,” she said.
"Our interior firefighters also face risks when they enter burning buildings and are exposed to a number of elements that can pose a threat to their long-term health," Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out.
"That’s why I co-sponsored legislation in the state Assembly recently signed by Governor Cuomo to provide volunteer firefighters who develop certain forms of cancer with enhanced disability gap benefits," she said.
"This legislation was long overdue. We know our volunteer firefighters are being exposed to more and more chemicals when they enter burning buildings due to changes in building materials and furniture. We have a moral obligation to offer added benefits to these brave men and women who risk their lives to answer the fire calls, as well to ensure their families are protected," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne congratulates Massena volunteer firefighter Tom Macaulay for his 50 years of service to the Massena Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured are, front row: Mr. Macaulay and Assemblywoman Jenne. Back row; Massena Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Kearns, First Assistant Chief Tim Quenneville and Second Assistant Chief Paul Brownell.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks with Gary "Digger" Donaldson about his selection as the Massena Volunteer Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year for 2017. Pictured are, front row: Mr. Donaldson and Assemblywoman Jenne. Back row; Massena Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Kearns, First Assistant Chief Tim Quenneville and Second Assistant Chief Paul Brownell.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents Real "Frenchie" Coupal with a citation from the New York State Assembly recognizing ihim for being named an honorary voluntary fireman. Pictured are, front row: Mr. Coupal and Assemblywoman Jenne. Back row; Massena Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Kearns, First Assistant Chief Tim Quenneville and Second Assistant Chief Paul Brownell.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with members of the Massena Volunteer Fire Department after presenting citations from the New York State Assembly to three men honored at the department's recent annual banquet. Pictured, clockwise from left, are: Gary "Digger" Donaldson, Real "Frenchie" Coupal, Massena Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Kearns, First Assistant Chief Tim Quenneville, Second Assistant Chief Paul Brownell and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.
