Golden Trumpet

 

New York State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) was honored with FASNY’s prestigious Golden Trumpet Award, recognizing his steadfast commitment to New York’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. The award was presented at FASNY’s annual Legislative Conference in Troy, N.Y.

Currently serving his third Senate term, Sen. Skoufis represents District 42 and began his public service as a Woodbury Town Councilman before three terms in the State Assembly. Since joining the Senate in 2018, he has chaired the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, earning recognition for his anti-corruption efforts and results-driven leadership in the Hudson Valley.

Raised in New York City public housing, Sen. Skoufis understands community challenges and has become a strong advocate for New York’s volunteer fire departments. His hands-on approach — including regular meetings with firefighters and EMS professionals — has secured more than $1.3 million for essential equipment, including turnout gear and ambulances, and $250,000 to restore the Woodbury Fire Department’s building. As Chair of the Investigations & Government Operations Committee, he has also exposed gaps in code enforcement, driving improvements in resident safety statewide.

“Sen. Skoufis’ dedication to public safety and the fire service is unwavering,” said FASNY President Eugene J. Perry Jr. “Through both financial support and legislative action, he has made a lasting impact on our volunteer fire departments and EMS personnel, providing them with the resources needed to meet growing demands. We honor him today for his enduring partnership with New York’s volunteer firefighters and his proactive efforts to strengthen our fire service.”

A graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School, Sen. Skoufis holds degrees from The George Washington University and Columbia University and lives in Cornwall with his wife, Hillary, and daughter, Ava.

Past Award Recipients

2023	Robin Schott	Past Legislative Chair
2022	Kenneth Zebrowski	New York State Assemblyman
2021	Senator John E. Brooks	New York State Senator
2018	Kathleen Marchione	New York State Senator
2017	Brian F. McQueen	Past chief of the Whitesboro Fire Department
2016	Joseph Griffo	New York State Senator
2015	Aileen Gunther	New York State Assemblywoman
2014	Bobby Knight	FASNY Legislative Committee Vice Chairman
2009	Harvey Weisenberg	New York State Assemblyman
2008	RoAnn Destito	New York State Assemblywoman
2007	Dale M. Volker	New York State Senator
2006	John F. Mueller	OFPC Fire Prevention Bureau Chief
2005	John J. Bonacic	New York State Senator
2004	Richard A. Smith	New York State Assemblyman
2003	William Magee	New York State Assemblyman
2002	No Award Given
2001	James L. Seward	New York State Senator
2000	Paul A. Tokasz	New York State Assemblyman
1999	Alphonse D’Amato	U.S. Senator
1998	No Award Given
1997	Hon. Lawrence H. Cooke	New York State Chief Judge, Retired
1996	No Award Given
1995	Nancy Larraine Hoffman	New York State Senator
1994	Kurt Vonnegut	Internationally Recognized Writer
1993	Michael J. Bragman	New York State Assemblyman
1992	Dennis T. Gorski	Erie County Executive
1991	Hon. Sherwood L. Boehlert	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives