CNY firefighter to lead New York state’s 110,000 volunteer firefighters
A Central New York volunteer firefighter has been elected president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, a group that represents the state’s 110,000 volunteer firefighters.
Kenneth Pienkowski, of the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department in Onondaga County, was elected president of the statewide group Saturday at the group’s 144th annual convention in Albany.
Pienkowski, 66, who lives in the town of Onondaga, joined the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department in 1967 and worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming fire chief in 1977.
“We have some of the most dedicated public servants imaginable; men and women who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way for others,” he said in a news release. “It is a privilege to represent them and a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
He has served as president to the Onondaga County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. He also has held various positions in the state and national firefighters’ groups.
Pienkowski is a retired member of the United Auto Workers Union, formerly working for Chrysler. He and his wife, Barbara, have two children and two grandchildren.