Providing Public Service to Our Friends and Neighbors In The Community Since 1904

Erie County Chiefs Honors North Boston Firefighters
March 29- Woodlawn

Saturday March 29 the Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization and Erie County Fireman's Association held their joint Installation Dinner and Awards Banquet. The event was hosted by Woodlawn Fire Company from the Town of Hamburg, and attended by numerous North Boston Firefighters.

Congratulations to the following North Boston firefighters recognized by the Erie County Fire Chief’s Mutual Aid Organization for outstanding service in their categories:
Fire Captain Jack Braun (0-10 years)
Firefighter Sean Crotty (11-20 years)

Also receiving Certificates of Merit were:
Firefighter Tom Kyle (21+ years)
Firefighter Paul Schunk (40+ years)
Firefighter Herb Klein (50+ years)

Firefighter Tom Kyle (21+ years)

Since Tom has joined North Boston Fire Company, he has completed more than 34 state and county courses in his career. He has served as Chief from 1993- 1995 and attained the Outstanding Service award in 1986. Tom has since been consistently in the top ten responders, and devotes many hours of time in support of the various activities at North Boston Fire. When there is a task to be done, you can count on Tom to be there with helping hands. His quiet support of the activities around the station house, have been an inspiration to the other members. Tom is also has more than 20 years as a member of both NYS Association of Fire Chiefs and the EC Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization.

 Firefighter Paul Schunk (40+ years) 

One doesn’t achieve 40 years of service without having devoted countless hours towards the success of North Boston Fire Company. He served as Chief from 1981-1983, was honored with Firefighter of the Year status in 1985, and has held the office of Director since  1984. Paul has continued to serve the company through his network of  acquaintances that have financially supported the company and because of his effort, helped provide the means to purchase much of the equipment in use today. We are eternally grateful for having Paul as a member of our company.

Firefighter Herb Klein (50+ years)

Herbert H. Klein  joined the North Boston Fire Company on August 6, 1956. His service to the company included Sgt. at Arms 1958; President 1960; Chaplain 1961, 63-75, 79-81 and Secretary 1962. Continuing active membership firefighter Klein received the Outstanding Firefighter Award in 1995 and was on the Top Ten Responders in 2005 - 2007. Herb also received Life Membership status on August 6, 1981. His participation and leadership in fundraising events has ensured the companies success. His effort on the new hall committee further exemplifies the values he holds for continued development, as the North Boston Fire Co. prepares for the future of emergency services.  Herb is the fourth generation of his family to serve the fire company following his father, Harold; grandfather, Clarence; and great grandfather, William, who was a charter member when the company was founded in 1904.

Fire Captain Jack Braun (0-10 years)

Since John “Jack” Braun entered the North Boston Fire Company in 2001, his presence made an immediate impact.  Having served as chairman of the Fire Prevention, Long Range Planning, Christmas Party, and New Recruit Investigating committees, Jack also found time to fill the administrative roles of Training Officer, Vice President, and Director, all within a six year span of time. Jack presently serves as the Fire Captain

 In addition to the many leadership posts, Jack has been consistently in the top ten responders, and was awarded the Firefighter of the year award in 2002, as well as the Outstanding Service award, in 2006.

His tireless effort and goals for personal self improvement have driven Jack to become a firefighter the North Boston Fire Company and community can be proud of, and depend upon, in time of need.

Firefighter Sean Crotty (11-20 years)

Two words define Sean P. Crotty    “The Doer”

    A more fitting tribute cannot be bestowed upon this firefighter who has devoted much of his young life to the brotherhood he cherishes. His tireless effort has been a benefit to not only the North Boston Fire Company, but to the Western New York Community at large. 

    His approach to life, more than explains why everything he puts his hands to, results in success.

     His career at the North Boston Fire Company began in the explorer post as (in his words) a junior chipmunk. Since then, he has risen through the firematic ranks serving as Lieutenant, Captain, 2^nd Asst Chief, 1^st Asst Chief, completing his term as Chief in 2007. All along the way, his enthusiasm for excellence has resulted in recognition of the achievements the company has received while in his command.

    His respect among his peers is evident, having received many  awards including Firefighter of the Year in 1998 and 2000, Outstanding Service Award 2003, Erie County Chiefs Award in 1999, EMS Provider of the Year in 2005. These only touch the surface of his fire community recognition.

    Sean has been active in the Boston Emergency Squad since 1991, Mercy Flight as a paramedic, and in 2006 was selected as Town of Boston Citizen of the Year.

    His ambitious nature has led him to volunteer for many activities, including Kids Escaping Drugs, NYS Special Olympics, Empire State Games, and the NYS Fire and EMS games, to name a few. 

    If you have never had the opportunity to meet Sean, someday you will, at a live burn, a training class, or an incident. He will be the one in the thick of things!

    The North Boston Fire Company is proud to claim Sean P. Crotty as one of our own.