Utica, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly hosted First Responders Appreciation Day, welcoming local first responders to the Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Utica to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities throughout the Mohawk Valley. This year’s event, presented in partnership with AAA Northeast, included a light breakfast for attendees, the presentation of a New York State Legislative Resolution designating October 28th as First Responders Day statewide, and the individual recognition of first responders nominated by their departments for going above and beyond in service to others.

Introduced by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, and adopted by the New York State Assembly, Assembly Resolution 2026-K1437 memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim October 28th, 2026, as First Responders Day in the State of New York, in formal recognition of the unwavering courage, commitment, and compassion demonstrated by the everyday heroes who call the Mohawk Valley home.

“First Responders Appreciation Day is a proud reminder of just how much we owe to our friends and our neighbors who answer the call despite the circumstance,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Whether it’s a fire, a medical emergency, or our worst day, our first responders show up ready to help, and they do it because they care about this community. Today is our chance to say thank you.”

Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel spent the morning together, swapping stories and marking the shared work of keeping the region safe. In the weeks leading up to the event, department and agency leaders from across the district were invited to nominate members of their departments for formal recognition of their exceptional service and outstanding dedication to the community.

Each nominee was honored with a New York State Assembly Certificate of Recognition from Assemblywoman Buttenschon.

“AAA Northeast is proud to join Assemblywoman Buttenschon in recognizing these first responders, whose dedication helps save lives and prevent tragedies. Each honoree answers the call to serve and makes a meaningful difference every day. We applaud their commitment, compassion professionalism, and we thank them for their extraordinary service.” ~Patricia Kuepper-Artessa, Regional Director of Public & Government Affairs

This year’s honorees were:

• Chief Kevin Kalk, Barneveld Volunteer Fire Department & Director with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) – Recognized for his leadership in guiding the reconstruction of his department’s fire station after it was destroyed, balancing the needs of his firefighters with those of the community. He also serves as a Director with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and as a member of its instructor cadre, sharing his expertise with career and volunteer firefighters statewide.
• Chief George Massarotti, Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department – Honored for his dedication to the fire service and the Whitesboro community, including his efforts to modernize the department’s 1969 fire station and bring the facility up to current standards. Through his work with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, he shares his fire safety expertise, and he remains active in the community exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism, community pride, and unwavering dedication that represents the very best of the fire service.
• Police Officer Thomas Guca, Village of Yorkville Police Department – Recognized for his responsibilities as the village’s day shift officer, including incident response and follow-up investigations. He is also commended for the composure and sound judgment he showed during an incident involving an armed suspect, contributing to the suspect’s safe apprehension without further injury.
• Paramedic Michael Haas, Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department – Commended for his quick response and advanced life-saving skills on June 3, 2026, when he controlled severe bleeding and provided critical emergency medical care, playing a vital role in saving a woman’s life.
• Trooper Matthew Nell, New York State Troopers, Troop D – Commended for his professionalism and proactive commitment to public safety, including numerous 2026 arrests for impaired driving, misdemeanors, felonies, and drug offenses, along with hundreds of vehicle and traffic law violations. He is trusted by supervisors and fellow troopers alike as a model of service within Troop D.
• Sergeant Charles Goldstein, City of Utica Police Department Warrants Unit – Honored for his persistent work locating and apprehending dangerous fugitives, including through his service with the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. He has also assisted the department’s Criminal Investigations Division in locating suspects connected to serious crimes.
• Investigator William Williams, City of Utica Police Department Warrants Unit – Recognized for his commitment to apprehending wanted individuals, including those sought for serious and violent offenses. His work with the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force has extended his efforts across the region and nation.
• Investigator Steven Gomez, City of Utica Police Department Warrants Unit – Celebrated for his persistence in locating and apprehending wanted fugitives, locally and nationwide, through his service with the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. His collaboration with fellow officers and agencies has helped identify suspects in numerous investigations.
• Police Officer Rocco Zasa, City of Utica Police Department Domestic Violence Unit – Honored for his compassionate support of domestic violence victims, providing advocacy and follow-up as they navigate the justice system. As the department’s point of contact and administrator for the STRIVE Grant, he has helped advance efforts to reduce interpersonal violence and, alongside his team, has assisted hundreds of families facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances, exemplifying the highest standards of public service and commitment to his community.
• Police Officer Jared Longo, City of Utica Police Department Uniform Patrol – Recognized for his strong work ethic and proactive patrol efforts, including significant efforts to remove impaired drivers from Utica’s roads. He additionally serves on the Mobile Field Force and Bike Patrol and regularly volunteers with the department’s Tactical Unit.
• Firefighter Joseph Rzepka, New York Mills Volunteer Fire Department – Honored for more than forty years of dedicated service, including many years as Captain of the Truck Company. He also used his mechanical expertise to repair department vehicles, and is known for his selfless humble nature and genuine concern for others.
• Past Chief Jared Pearl, Maynard Volunteer Fire Department – Recognized for 34 years of service, including twelve as Fire Chief, and a legacy of leadership that will benefit the department for years to come. An Advanced EMT and Level 2 State Fire Investigator, he is also a former State Fire Instructor and Certified Instructor Coordinator.
• Firefighter Tim Flihan, City of Utica Fire Department: Commended for his initiative and commitment to professional development since his appointment in August 2021. He is pursuing New York State Paramedic certification, contributes to the Fire Investigation Team, and has expanded his skills in water and rope rescue. He also assists with the Fire Academy and community outreach events.
• Lieutenant Josef Hall, City of Rome Police Department: Honored for his leadership and his pride in mentoring new officers, helping them grow into confident, capable members of law enforcement. He is also known for seeking innovative ways to improve department operations and for his positive attitude and passion for the profession.
• DSS Aleck Kierpiec, Marcy Correctional Facility: Recognized for his courage and leadership during a life-threatening emergency at the facility, where he promptly secured the scene and coordinated responding staff with decisive professionalism under extreme pressure.
• Lieutenant James Zike, Marcy Correctional Facility: Honored for his quick thinking and decisive action in immediately initiating life-saving measures during a critical emergency at the facility.
• Nurse Practitioner Brandi Corigliano, Marcy Correctional Facility: Commended for assuming control of medical operations during a critical emergency at the facility, providing leadership and coordinating care alongside fellow responders under extremely difficult circumstances.
• Special Patrol Officers Mark Dembrow & Keith Grogan, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office: Recognized together for their compassion and dependability in supporting the Clinton community after a tragedy, helping to ensure that children and community members had a safe place to gather, speak with someone, and find comfort during an incredible difficult time.
• Sergeant Michael Ladd Jr., Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit: Honored for his service and leadership as supervisor of the Narcotics Unit, which has played an instrumental role in removing illegal drugs from local neighborhoods. He is further recognized for his leadership and collaboration with partner agencies in addressing the sale of illegal and untaxed substances in neighborhood corner stores.
• Lieutenant Dominick Belmonte, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division: Recognized for his dedicated service since 1999, much of it in the Civil Division as a Deputy, Sergeant, and now Lieutenant overseeing the division’s daily operations. He is commended for managing a demanding caseload and maintaining the division’s high standards, exemplifying the highest ideals of professionalism, reliability, and dedication that are essential to public service.
• Sergeant Jenna McDaniels, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility: Commended for her dedication to employee development, mentorship, and staff well-being as a member of the Training Division. As a leader, she develops curriculum and instructs classes for the state mandated Basic Academy for new correction officers and supports colleagues through the Peer Support Group.
• Captain Joe Zwijacz, Rome Fire Department: Recognized for his leadership, dedication, and technical expertise, including his role in the department’s drone program, which advances its capabilities in emergency response, search and rescue, and incident assessment. As lead instructor for technical rescue training, he helps ensure personnel are prepared to respond safely and effectively to complex emergencies. He also contributes to the department’s radio communications and administers its First Due records management system, improving operational efficiency and accountability.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s lifelong connection to emergency services, including her past role as Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College, has made championing the needs of first responders a central part of her legislative work.

“Witnessing first hand the sacrifices these men and women make, giving so much of themselves each day to our service, and often without asking for anything in return,” Buttenschon added. “They are heroes, each and every one, deserving of our support and of our profound gratitude, not just today, but every day of the year.”