Brookfield Country Club | March 26, 2026
The 100 Club of Buffalo proudly hosted its 67th Annual Hero Awards Dinner, an incredible evening dedicated to celebrating the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of first responders across Western New York.
It was truly an amazing evening as we came together to recognize local heroes right here in our community. Surrounded by family, colleagues, and supporters, each honoree’s story served as a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment shown every day by those who protect and serve.
Here are this year’s award recipients:
Firefighter Matt Lomot – Buffalo Fire Department
Firefighter Paul Urbaniak – Buffalo Fire Department
On June 4, 2025, Buffalo firefighters responded to a daytime structure fire at 1954 Clinton Street. While en route, dispatch advised crews that occupants were trapped inside. Companies arrived to find heavy fire and smoke conditions coming from an occupied two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structure.
Upon arrival of Rescue One, Firefighter Paul Urbaniak and Firefighter Matt Lomot observed a man trapped at a second-floor window, cut off by fire and thick smoke. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, they immediately retrieved a ground ladder from a nearby truck and quickly positioned it beneath the window.
Firefighter Lomot ascended the ladder and guided the victim safely onto it. With Firefighter Urbaniak assisting from below, the two worked together to bring the man safely to the ground. The victim was immediately transferred to on-scene emergency medical personnel for treatment. Following the rescue, both firefighters continued their fire suppression duties.
Their bravery, swift decision-making, and teamwork saved a life and prevented further tragedy.
Lieutenant Alex Shultz – Buffalo Fire Department
Firefighter David Rodriguez – Buffalo Fire Department
On March 27, Engine 38 responded to a Level 3 EMS call for a 30-year-old maternity patient experiencing active contractions. Upon arrival, the crew quickly assessed the situation and determined that the birth was imminent. With the closest ambulance unavailable due to another emergency response and a separate motor vehicle accident, Engine 38 realized they would need to deliver the baby themselves.
Firefighter David Rodriguez immediately assumed the role of primary EMT, assessing the patient’s condition and confirming dilation and crowning. Lieutenant Alex Shultz positioned himself at the mother’s head, providing reassurance and monitoring her condition throughout the delivery. Additional crew members prepared equipment, gathered supplies, and maintained communication regarding the ambulance’s arrival time to ensure a seamless transition of care.
When the baby was delivered, Firefighter Rodriguez suctioned the infant’s airway and nostrils, while Lieutenant Shultz carefully clamped the umbilical cord. Upon arrival, ambulance personnel assisted with cutting the cord and preparing both mother and baby for transport. Despite being more than six weeks premature, both mother and baby were later reported to be doing well.
Their calm leadership, teamwork, and decisive action ensured a safe and successful delivery under challenging circumstances.
Officer Steven Zappia – Buffalo Police Department
Officer Stephen Schulz – Buffalo Police Department
On May 6, 2025, Officers Steven Zappia and Stephen Schulz were on routine patrol when they identified a male wanted by Special Victims Unit detectives on a charge of Assault in the Second Degree. As officers approached, the suspect fled on foot through nearby backyards. Both officers immediately pursued and apprehended the suspect as he attempted to climb over a fence to escape.
While bringing the suspect to the ground, Officer Schulz felt a handgun in the suspect’s waistband and quickly alerted Officer Zappia. The officers safely secured the individual without further incident.
A subsequent search revealed a defaced Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun loaded with 12 rounds, along with a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, individually packaged fentanyl envelopes, and crack cocaine.
Their vigilance, teamwork, and decisive actions removed a dangerous individual, an illegal firearm, and a substantial amount of narcotics from the streets of Buffalo.
Officer Terris Garner – Buffalo Police Department
Officer Terris Garner was unable to attend the Hero Awards Dinner, but we were proud to take a moment to recognize his heroic actions and service to our community.
On September 27, 2025, at approximately 2:02 a.m., C District officers were dispatched to an unknown trouble call. Officer Terris Garner responded to assist. Upon arrival, he observed officers moving toward the front of the residence and proceeded to the rear courtyard entrance. In the courtyard, Officer Garner encountered an extremely aggressive female subject, who was armed with a butcher knife and yelling at civilian bystanders. He immediately drew his service weapon and issued clear, repeated verbal commands for her to drop the weapon. The subject refused to comply and instead charged toward a male bystander, with clear intent to stab him, thereby creating an immediate and credible threat of serious bodily harm.
Faced with a rapidly unfolding situation and limited time to react, Officer Garner took decisive action to stop the threat and protect the individual at risk. Once the scene was secured, he immediately transitioned to providing medical aid, rendering care in accordance with his training and duty to preserve life.
Officer Garner’s calm demeanor, sound judgment, and swift response prevented further harm and demonstrated exceptional professionalism under extreme pressure.
Officer Jeremiah Gechell – Cheektowaga Police Department
On August 11, 2025, Officer Jeremiah Gechell responded to a hotel on Genesee Street to investigate a serious assault in which a male victim had been rendered unconscious. The victim was transported to ECMC with a reported brain bleed. Officer Gechell immediately began a thorough investigation, interviewing witnesses, securing statements, and reviewing surveillance footage to determine the full scope of the incident.
Through diligent investigative work and effective use of law enforcement databases, Officer Gechell positively identified a suspect in the brutal and unprovoked attack. Over the next 48 hours, he worked to determine the suspect’s possible whereabouts.
On the morning of August 13, Officer Gechell, along with three additional Cheektowaga police officers, located the suspect at an apartment complex in the City of Buffalo. When officers made contact, the suspect suddenly lunged at two officers with a large kitchen knife. In that critical moment, Officer Gechell pulled a fellow officer out of harm’s way, causing the suspect to miss his intended target. He then took immediate action to stop the attacker and protect the lives of his fellow officers.
Officer Gechell’s swift response, courage, and commitment to his fellow officers prevented serious injury during an extremely dangerous encounter.
Reserve Deputy Gregory Daniel Jr. – Erie County Sheriff’s Office
Reserve Deputy John Klingensmith – Erie County Sheriff’s Office
Reserve Deputy Bernard Kowal – Erie County Sheriff’s Office
On the evening of Friday, August 1, 2025, during the Buffalo Bills Red/Blue practice at Highmark Stadium, Reserve Deputy John Klingensmith observed a female patron collapse and be supported by two individuals. Without hesitation, he and Reserve Deputy Gregory Daniel Jr. responded, quickly assessing that she was unresponsive. They carried her to the top of the section and immediately began lifesaving CPR measures.
The Deputies relayed the situation over the radio, saying that they were dealing with a cardiac arrest emergency and Deputy Bernard Kowal arrived on scene shortly thereafter. He and Deputy Klingensmith worked in tandem, alternating compressions delivering continuous CPR to the victim. When Rural Metro paramedics arrived, they advanced the level of care while Deputy Klingensmith remained engaged in resuscitative efforts. Thanks to their quick action, the patient regained a pulse and was later reported stable and expected to survive.
The calm assessment, quick thinking, and expert application of CPR by Deputies Gregory Daniel Jr., John Klingensmith, and Bernard Kowal were instrumental in saving the life of a 70-year-old woman.
Officer Patrick Herlan – Town of Evans Police Department
On January 8, 2026, the Town of Evans Police Dispatch received a frantic call from a mother reporting that her son was hanging in a shed. Officer Patrick Herlan responded and was the first to arrive on the scene. He quickly assessed the situation and confirmed that the individual was attempting suicide but remained warm to the touch, indicating life.
Officer Herlan immediately cut the individual down and began administering life-saving measures. Working alongside responding fire department personnel and AMR ambulance crews, he helped stabilize the individual, restore a pulse, and prevent a tragic outcome. The individual was then transported to ECMC for further care.
Firefighter Xavier Jones – Lockport Fire Department
On November 11, 2025, Firefighter Xavier Jones responded to a residential apartment complex fire. Upon arrival, two Lockport Police Department officers were attempting to rescue a trapped resident on the third floor, but were being overcome by smoke.
Without hesitation, Firefighter Jones ascended the stairwell, reached the victim, and carried him over his shoulders down the crowded stairs and approximately 200 feet to the waiting ambulance crew. The victim was evaluated and treated by Lockport Fire Department paramedics on scene, but refused to be transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
Firefighter Jones’ quick action and bravery ensured the safety of a resident who was unable to evacuate on their own and prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
Lieutenant Brian Gehring – Town of Orchard Park Police Department
On July 3, 2025, the Orchard Park Police Dispatch received a call from a young girl reporting that her father had fallen off a ladder while working on the exterior of their home. Dispatch immediately relayed the call to the officers on the road and summoned EMS.
Lieutenant Brian Gehring, an Army veteran and 18-year member of the Orchard Park Police Department, was first to arrive on scene. Drawing on his advanced medical training, He quickly assessed that the victim’s hands were injured due to contact with broken glass from when the victim broke a window during his fall from the ladder, creating an arterial bleed which required immediate attention.
Drawing on his advanced medical training, Lt. Gehring quickly applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm and used gauze with direct pressure to control the arterial bleeding until paramedics arrived.
Upon the victim’s arrival at Erie County Medical Center, the attending trauma surgeon specifically praised Lieutenant Gehring’s actions, noting that the tourniquet had been applied correctly and was essential to saving the man’s life.
Lieutenant Gehring’s decisive action, calm demeanor, and confidence in applying life-saving measures exemplify the critical role that trained first responders play in protecting their community.
Town of Hamburg Residential Gas Explosion – May 12, 2025
Officer Garrett Hileman – Town of Hamburg Police Department
Assistant Chief Chad Witkowski – Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company
Lieutenant Bruce Oliver – Lake View Fire District
Firefighter Jeffrey Lewis – Lake View Fire District
Civilian Award – Retired Buffalo Fire Lieutenant David George
On May 12, 2025, a devastating gas explosion destroyed a home on West Lane in the Town of Hamburg, leaving surrounding homes heavily damaged and some catching fire. The situation demanded immediate action and precise coordination among multiple first responders.
Officer Garrett Hileman, on patrol nearby, arrived first and quickly assessed the chaotic scene. He located a male trapped in the basement and immediately used fire extinguishers to control the flames surrounding the victim. Hileman encouraged the man to move through the debris while coordinating with arriving firefighters to safely extract him. Throughout the rescue, he also helped maintain the hose line to keep the fire from spreading further, demonstrating calm, decisive leadership under extreme pressure.
Assistant Chief Chad Witkowski joined Officer Hileman at the basement foundation, carefully maneuvering through the rubble and providing critical support to lift and guide the victim toward safety. Witkowski positioned himself to shield the victim from fire and debris while helping coordinate the extraction with the other responders.
Lieutenant Bruce Oliver and Firefighter Jeffrey Lewis worked together at the basement foundation level, physically assisting with lifting and pulling the victim from the rubble. Oliver straddled the foundation to provide stability while Lewis supported the victim from above, ensuring a controlled and safe removal. They also managed the hose line and helped keep the scene secure for the ongoing rescue efforts.
BFD Retired Lieutenant David George, who resides in the vicinity of the incident, arrived immediately on scene and without personal protective equipment, assisted in locating the trapped victim and removing him from the basement. Despite sustaining minor injuries from debris and fire exposure, Lt. George’s selfless actions were critical in saving the victim’s life. He also rescued a family dog from the debris, ensuring the safety of both people and pets affected by the explosion.
In the first 10–12 minutes of this chaotic and dangerous incident, the combined efforts of Officer Hileman, Assistant Chief Witkowski, Lieutenant Oliver, Firefighter Lewis, and Retired Lieutenant George directly saved the homeowner and prevented further tragedy. Their bravery, quick thinking, and teamwork exemplify the highest standards of public safety service.
Interstate 90 Tour Bus Crash – August 22, 2025
Trooper Frank C. Velletta – New York State Police
Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy – Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Austin C. Heberlein – Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Director Gary Patnode – Genesee County Office of Emergency Management
On August 22, 2025, a tour bus carrying 54 people overturned on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke. The crash resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene that demanded immediate, coordinated action.
Trooper Frank Velletta quickly arrived on scene and immediately entered the overturned bus. He spent nearly an hour and a half providing aid to those trapped inside. His calm, professional demeanor and tireless efforts ensured that injured passengers received immediate attention, demonstrating both leadership and compassion under extreme conditions.
Deputies Kevin McCarthy and Austin Heberlein, along with Deputy Director Gary Patnode, also responded and arrived on scene quickly. Deputy Director Patnode deployed air jacks to lift the bus and create safe access to reach victims, while Deputies McCarthy and Heberlein coordinated with EMS to provide life-saving care. Deputy McCarthy also entered the bus to treat victims, while Deputy Heberlein gathered supplies, assisted with medical care, and helped expedite victims to ambulances and helicopters. Deputies McCarthy and Heberlein applied tourniquets and performed other critical interventions, saving multiple lives in the process.
The courage, quick thinking, and seamless teamwork of Trooper Velletta, Deputies McCarthy and Heberlein, and Deputy Director Patnode exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication in public safety.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere thanks to the entire Board of Directors, our speakers, Executive Director Daniel Denz, and President Bill Fierle for their continued leadership and support of the 100 Club of Buffalo’s mission. A special thank you to Maryalice Demler of Channel 2 News for serving as emcee and helping guide a meaningful and memorable evening.
We are also grateful to Brookfield Country Club for hosting such a wonderful event, and to all of our individual and corporate sponsors whose support makes this evening possible. Most importantly, we thank and honor all of this year’s heroes and the first responders across Western New York who keep our communities safe and continue to go above and beyond the call of duty every day.
Finally, we would like to recognize former Executive Director John Cleary for his years of dedication and lasting impact on the 100 Club of Buffalo. We are incredibly grateful for all he has done for this event and for the Club as a whole. If you are interested in becoming a member, we invite you to visit our website to learn more. You can also explore our upcoming events this spring and summer for a chance to get involved and support Western New York’s first responders.
If you would like to view more images from the event, please click here.
