An Introduction to the

2016 Erie County Fire Advisory Board

The goal of the fire advisory board has always been to inform the firefighters of Erie County of who we are and the work that we do.  In return we want to hear your thoughts and ideas about the fire service in Erie County. Allow us to introduce ourselves.

The Erie County Fire Advisory Board is charged with acting as advisors to the county executive, the county legislature, the commissioner of emergency services and the deputy commissioner of fire safety for the purpose of enhancing the services and resources provided to and by firefighters. The board was formed prior to 1973 and authorized by the County Charter, Article 14-Section 1403. In short, the fire advisory board represents you and our fire service, career and volunteer. We are here on your behalf. 

The Erie County Fire Advisory Board is comprised of twenty-five (25) members who are appointed by the County Executive for a 2-year term, and who serve without compensation.  While our members are from fire departments in virtually every corner of the county, none of us represent just one area of the county. More importantly, you have 25 board members who are dedicated to representing our entire fire service.

The fire advisory board is comprised of several active and productive committees: School, Drill Tower, Radio, Legislative & Fire Prevention, Budget, Planning & Wall of Fame, and Rules & Mutual Aid. Their goal is not to just revisit problems and obstacles, but more importantly focusing together on creating solutions to the challenges we face in our ever-changing fire service.

Here is a list of our members and the fire departments they belong to: 

Administrative Officers: Chairman Paul Wilson (Lake Shore); Vice Chair Leland Smith (Springville); Secretary Daniel Corby (West Falls); and Treasurer Michael Wutz (Williamsville).

Board Members: Christopher Close (City of Tonawanda), Christopher Couell (Orchard Park), Ralph Galanti (Lackawanna), Brian Guy (East Seneca), Jim Guy (South Line), Shaun Hediger (Erie County Sheriffs/Sardinia), Paul Hockwater Sr. (Forks), Shawn Kaufman (Sheridan Park), Peter Kertzie (Buffalo), Michael Kluck (Reserve), Bob Kryszak (Woodlawn), Christopher Maciok (U-Crest), Ernie Matthews (Hillcrest), Dwayne Morosey (Lawtons), Tim Moses (Hamburg), Michael O’Connor (Holland), Christopher Petrie (Williamsville), Paul Prautzch (Ellwood), Michael Schuler (Bowmansville), Robert Zacher (Getzville) and Bob Zamrok (Evans Center).

We currently meet on the fourth Thursday-every other month, which is subject to change. Our meetings begin at 7pm and are held in the auditorium at the Training & Operations Center (Fire Academy) unless otherwise noted. All meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to stop in and observe our discussions and activities. Our meeting dates for the remainder of 2016 are: June 23, August 25, October 27 and December 1.

Meeting minutes and more information about the Fire Advisory Board can be found at: http://www2.erie.gov/fire/index.php?q=content/erie-county-fire-advisory-board. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any board member or contact us via email at: FireAdvisoryBoard@erie.gov.

Sincerely, 

Paul C. Wilson 

Chairman