Fire Safety Educator of the Year
2024 Winner
James Alheim
Greenwich Fire Department
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James Alheim, a dedicated member of the Greenwich Fire Department, has been awarded FASNY’s prestigious Fire Safety Educator of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to fire safety education in New York state.
For more than 30 years, Alheim has actively educated the public about fire safety through innovative means. Emphasizing the significance of beginning with young people, Alheim prioritizes fire safety during School Fire Prevention Week every October, consistently reinforcing this message throughout the year for all age groups.
One of his notable achievements is the “Get Out Alive” program, recognized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. This initiative features a mobile fire safety bus that educates people of all ages on fire escape planning. The bus, a 66-person vehicle converted into a home replica, visits schools, senior residences, and community events, using mock fire drills and interactive demonstrations to teach life-saving skills.
Alheim also organizes a Fire Expo at the Washington County Fairgrounds, bringing together area fire departments, retired and active New York State troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and fire prevention literature. His efforts extend to local businesses and housing projects, ensuring comprehensive community education.
As a role model to his three children, two of whom are volunteer firefighters, Alheim leverages technology to promote department programs such as CPR and AED training. Honored with numerous awards, including the Greenwich Fire Department’s Distinguished Fire Service Award, Alheim’s enthusiasm and dedication make him a silent hero, continually advancing fire safety for the betterment of the community.
FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr., stated, “James embodies service and leadership, reflecting our commitment to protect and educate with exceptional dedication. He is a steadfast advocate for fire safety and truly deserving of this recognition.”
Past Award Recipients
2023 | Lt. Julie McKinnon | Hastings-on-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department |
2022 | Richard M. Nemier | Nedrow Volunteer Fire Department |
2021 | Edward Scharfberg | Oceanside Fire Department |
2020 | Robert Brewer | Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department |
2019 | Dean Smith | Barnard Fire Department |
2018 | Robert Sutton | Central Islip Fire Department |
2017 | Danny Dunn | Enterprise Hose Co. No. 1 |
2016 | William J. Wren | New Hartford Fire Department |
2015 | Jennifer Cortese | Whitesboro Fire Department |
2014 | Aaron Cook | Johnsonville Volunteer Fire Co. |
2013 | Harry Prodromides | Lindenhurst Fire Department |
2012 | William C. “Billy” Schroeder | Lancaster Fire Department |
2011 | Chief Richard D. Tarello | South Farmingdale Fire Department |
2010 | Kenneth Clair Jr. | Brewster Fire Department |
2009 | Brian Niggli | Penfield Fire Company |
2008 | David Bowen | Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company |
2007 | Donald P. Dalrymple | Valois, Logan & Hector Fire Company, Inc |
2006 | Jeffrey S. Burkhart | Oriskany Independent Fire and Hose Company |
2005 | Glenn Sickles | Scottsville Fire Department |