Accolades Bestowed for: Heroism, Union Activism, and Health & Safety Awareness
Members of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) have elected Sam Fresina, president; Eddie Santiago, Secretary Treasurer; and Dave Holleran as Executive Vice President
Delegates to the 83rd NYSPFFA convention held in Corning, New York (June 16-19), nominated candidates and cast their votes for the leadership team that will serve through August 2027.
Fresina was nominated by Robert Mengel, president of the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF-Local 2007). Santiago was nominated by: Matt Murphy of the Rochester Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF-Local 1071); and Holleran by Scott Johnson, of the Binghamton Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF – Local 729).
Fresina, a former Albany firefighter, who also served as President of the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters Union, became state secretary/treasurer in 2010 and president in 2016.
Santiago, previously served on the Rochester Fire Department, was elected to his first, full-term as the Secretary / Treasurer.
Holleran, remains an active-duty captain with the Binghamton Department and was reelected to serve as Executive Vice President, a statewide office he has held since 2016.
Fresina said: “The opportunity to continue advocating for the needs of the membership – and providing a clear voice is especially meaningful. We know we have accomplished including the Phase out of PFAs in our gear; recognition of occupational exposures that compromise fire fighter’s health; support for our Local affiliates when their rights or contracts are challenged. And we will remain focused on providing an equitable and dignified pension and benefits for our members.”
Santiago said: “I am grateful that the membership is confident in the oversight of their resources. As a fire fighter for more than 30 years, I know that trust and confidence are earned and maintained each day. And,the values I learned in the fire house are coming with me to NYSPFFA state headquarters.”
In addition to serving on the statewide leadership team as Executive Vice President, Holleran, also chairs the Association’s health and safety committee. “I will remain laser focused on ensuring the health, safety and training of our members is never compromised. Being a fire fighter brings with it risk – both when on the scene of a call and after departing the scene – our members carry with them an exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxins for years to come. My actions and priorities are guided by ensuring for the safety of our members, access to the proper protective gear, and a commitment to training resources that keep our members sharp, fit and aware.”
NYSPFFA also recognized the contributions of several of its members for outstanding contributions to the organization and community, these include:
- Captain John Curione and Fire Fighter Shane Leonberger of the Elmira Fire Fighter Department (IAFF Local 709) as Fire Fighters of the Year;
- Mike Demars, of Amsterdam as the Health and Safety Man of the Year; and
- Eric Wisher, of Troy as Union Man of the Year.