He consistently steps forward and takes initiative. He has a strong sense of duty and sets the standard for learning.
And, fitting for the culture of the Canandaigua Fire Department, he is a firefighter whom colleagues can count on, without question.
These are among the characteristics Canandaigua firefighter Kevin Frederes possesses, according to Canandaigua Fire Chief Frank Magnera, Mayor Thomas Lyon and his fellow firefighters. And they are why he earned the city department’s Firefighter of the Year Award.
Frederes was recognized April 23 at an awards and swearing-in ceremony at the department’s firehouse on South Main Street.
The ceremony also recognized two new firefighters who have been added to the ranks.
New Canandaigua firefighters sworn in
They may be new to Canandaigua, but firefighters Markus Hardt and Peter Ellison are veterans in their field.
Hardt and Ellison were sworn in as new members of the Canandaigua Fire Department. Their family members pinned Canandaigua badges on their uniforms as part of the ceremony.
Both Hardt and Ellison were firefighters in the former Fishers Fire District, which was dissolved last October.
Jacob Bement, a Canandaigua firefighter and union president, said the firefighters are “incredible additions” to the city, although it came about as a result of the dissolution and loss of firefighter jobs that turned lives “upside down.”
And while they may not be new to fire service, Magnera said they have had to learn about a new community and embrace a new culture, which both have done.
“Mark and Peter, we’re proud to have you,” said Magnera, offering that this job can change, challenge and shake those who take it on. “We welcome you and wish you a long, safe and successful career.”
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua fire names top firefighter, adds two
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
