Big Tree Firefighter Honored For Community Achievement Award

HAMBURG, NY – ( fasny release)Each year, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) presents the Fire Service Community Achievement Award to an individual who is an outstanding member of his or her community and volunteer fire department.

This year FASNY will honor Stanley Figiel at the Big Tree Fire Department, on June 29th at 7:30 p.m. for his volunteerism and commitment to the fire service.

For the past 43 years, Stanley Figiel has been an active firefighter for the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company in the Town of Hamburg. Throughout the years, Figiel has been instrumental in many fire service activities and has held executive offices in the fire company. He was truck lieutenant for four years, fire police lieutenant for four years and is currently an active member of the fire police squad. Figiel has been the chaplain for the past 20 years, trustee for five years, and chairman and assistant chairman for the department’s Memorial Day services for the past 20 years. He has also served as chairman on the department’s capital projects committee and he has been a member of FASNY for the last 14 years. In 2006, Figiel was awarded Big Tree Firefighter of the Year.

Figiel’s community service goes well beyond his dedication to his fire company. He has been an active member of the Frontier Central Board of Education for the past 39 years, a record in Western New York for time served on a school board. He has served as President for 18 years and Vice President for 10 years. Figiel has held the office of President and Vice President of the Erie County School Boards Association and has served for 11 years on the Federal Relations Network, US Congress 31st Congressional District. He worked for 20 years as Executive Director of the Woodlawn Revitalization Corporation, a not-for-profit organization.

Figiel has devoted his time and energy to many other organizations. Described as a “volunteer extraordinaire,” he has received 15 awards from organizations such as PTAs, school boards, Town of Hamburg, Western New York Baseball and Soccer Hall of Fame and Citizen of the Year awards.

About FASNY

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 140,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.