Fire Service Community Achievement Award
2023 Winner
Ex-Captain Gerard W. Brown
Baldwin Fire Department
Fire Service Community Achievement Award Application Download Application


FASNY’s annual Fire Service Community Achievement Award recognizes an individual who complements active fire service with involvement in civic organizations, charitable programs, and other community groups.
Ex-Captain Gerard W. Brown, a 50-year volunteer member of the Baldwin Fire Department on Long Island, checks all those boxes – and then some!
Brown, or “Jerry,” as he is known to the department and community of Baldwin, has enjoyed an outstanding career unparalleled in effort and positive results.
“Jerry’s initiative and foresight have resulted in new and innovative programs adopted by our department over the years,” said Timothy Hagan, captain, Hook and Ladder Company Two. “His leadership qualities and ability to think outside the box have brought many members into the loop of training, brotherhood, and dedication.”
Hagan credits firefighter Brown for transitioning Baldwin Fire Department into the modern era of firefighting. It was he who introduced advanced training and firefighter safety, while maintaining “old school values.”
Whether he’s battling fires or helping others around the firehouse, Brown’s positive energy — dubbed “iron man firefighting” by many — rubs off on colleagues and other local and national departments in need of help. His infectious outlook has also played an important role helping Baldwin Fire Department maintain its overall high call average.
Besides his devotion to the fire service, Brown, a lifelong resident of Baldwin, finds time to give thousands of hours to help neighbors, friends, and youth in the community flourish. A respected community leader, he serves his hometown as a volunteer, sanitation commissioner, activist, teacher, conservationist and mentor.
“Jerry has a strong desire to help those around him and leads by example, never asking anyone to do what he would not do himself,” said Hagan. “He’s the person you call when all else has failed.
“Jerry doesn’t just preach the brotherhood, he lives it,” he added. “He accomplishes all this while remaining a devoted family man.”
Past Award Recipients
2022 | Nelson Delameter | Margaretville Fire Department |
2021 | Joseph Lenhardt | Whitesboro Fire Department |
2020 | Michael A. Baker | Archville Fire Co. |
2019 | Primo Biscaro | Erie Hose Co., Warsaw Fire Department |
2017 | Thomas J. Cuff, Jr. | Levittown Fire Department |
2016 | John McKenna | Northport Volunteer Fire Department |
2015 | Donald E. Snyder | Wantagh Fire Department |
2014 | Martin Horanburg | Miller Hose Company, Inc. |
2012 | Stanley Figiel | Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company |
2011 | Brian J. Greck | Medford Fire Department |
2010 | Ernest Matthews | Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company |
2009 | Philip F. DeLorenzo | Piermont Volunteer Fire Department |
2008 | Thomas P. Sullivan | Mombasha Fire Company |
2007 | Warren J. Rathke (deceased) | Wrights Corners Fire Company |
2006 | James Crowley | Woodstock Fire Company #4 |
2005 | Joseph E. Sills, Jr. | A. H. Wicks Engine & Truck Company, Kingston |
2004 | John S. DaVanzo (deceased) | Mineola Fire Department |
2003 | No Award Given | |
2002 | James Mahoney (deceased) | Northport Fire Department |
2001 | Bernard O. Monson (deceased) | Albertson Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co. |
2000 | No Award Given | |
1999 | Robert V. Lyon (deceased) | Setauket Fire Department, East Setauket |
1998 | William A. Wutz (deceased) | Hutchinson Hose Company, Williamsville |
1997 | William J. Reilly (deceased) | West Babylon Fire Department |
1996 | Richard F. Laitenberger (deceased) | Union Hill Fire Department, Webster |
1995 | Gus Wehrlin (deceased) | Farmington Volunteer Fire Association, Inc |
1994 | Joseph B. Kuhn (deceased) | Penfield Fire Company, Inc. |