Golden Trumpet

 

Sen. Martinez Receives Golden Trumpet Award for Dedication to Volunteer Fire Service

State Sen. Monica R. Martinez (D–Brentwood) received FASNY’s Golden Trumpet Award on Nov. 1 for her longstanding support of volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.

The award, established over 30 years ago, honors individuals whose dedication strengthens New York’s volunteer fire service. Past recipients include Kurt Vonnegut and former U.S. Senator Al D’Amato.

Martinez, who immigrated from El Salvador at age three, was recognized for her work as Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee. She has championed reforms to the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law, recruitment and retention programs, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, lithium-ion battery safety, 9/11 responder health, EMS cost recovery, and designation of EMS as an essential service.

Martinez is the prime sponsor or co-sponsor of 17 active bills benefiting first responders, has secured more than $150,000 in funding for volunteer departments in her district, and has advocated for tax exemptions and retirement service credits for volunteers and their families. She has also proposed legislation to increase penalties for anyone who endangers emergency service providers.

At the ceremony, Martinez praised volunteers’ courage, highlighted programs like “Vets to Volleys,” and urged continued support for first responders and their families. “Because you are essential, you are important,” she said. “I am honored to receive this award and will continue to be your trumpet in the legislature.”

Past Award Recipients

2024	James Skoufis	New York State Senator
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