Central New York Firefighters Association (CNYFA) Committees for 2025-2026

The Central New York Firefighters Association (CNYFA) is committed to supporting firefighters, emergency responders, and the community through a variety of specialized committees. Each committee plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, professionalism, and ongoing success of our association. Below is an overview of our committees and their responsibilities. 

First Name is chairperson of the committee.

Attorney/Advisory Committee - Hannigan Law Firm, Patrick Gavin, Fred Griffiths, Tom Rothdiener
Provides guidance to the Executive Board on legal matters affecting the association.

2% Tax Committee - Tom Rothdiener, Mike Smith
Monitors and updates members on the latest rules and regulations regarding foreign fire tax. This committee also announces dates and times for relevant seminars.

Auxiliary Liaison - Janet Griffiths, Beth Smith, MaryJo Oakes, Patrick Gavin
Acts as a liaison between the CNYFA and the Ladies Auxiliary, reporting on activities and events.

Budget & Finance Committee - Mike Caron, Kevin Foster, Ken Holmes Sr.
Conducts a thorough review of the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports and financial records. Findings are documented and presented at the Annual Meeting.

Chaplain - Ken Palmer, Rev Elliott Oakes, Rev Barrie-Lyn Foster, Rev MaryJo Oakes, Richard Duerr
Provides spiritual and emotional support to members and their families, conducts funeral services as needed, and organizes the annual memorial service.

Constitution & By-Laws Committee - Rebecca Franklin-Guild, Kevin Foster, Tom Rothdiener
Maintains an updated set of the association’s by-laws and constitution. Reviews proposed changes and presents recommendations at meetings.

Convention Committee - Tom Rothdiener, Jeff Martin, Larry Rieben, Ken Holmes Sr., Linda Rothdiener, Doug VanEtten, Patrick Gavin
Assesses and recommends sites for the annual meeting, assisting with program coordination, parades, tournaments, and related events.

Emergency Medical Services Committee - Tom Dwyer, David Simmons
Keeps members informed about changes in EMS regulations and protocols.

Fire Police Committee - Richard Duerr, Art Gage, Jeff Martin
Reports on activities, meetings, and updates concerning Fire Police and the State Fire Police Association.

Fire Prevention Committee - David Spencer, Irene Spencer, Marty Pine, Kevin Foster, Rick Nemier, Daryl Buornat, Mike Block, Gordon Kotars
Develops and promotes fire prevention programs for the general public, schools, and community organizations.

Firefighter & Citizen of the Year Committee - Tom Dwyer, Paul Rieben, Gordy Kotars, Tom Rothdiener, Jeff Martin, Ken Holmes Sr., Jeff Geer
Ensures award applications are available and coordinates the presentation of awards.

Journalism Award Committee - Gordy Kotars, David Spencer, Patrick Gavin, Jeff Martin
Presents the James W. Wright Journalism Award at the annual meeting.

Judges and Parade Rules Committee - David Spencer, Irene Spencer, Elaine Montrose, Maryann Ouimette, Marty Pine, Dennis Wright
Trains and instructs parade judges on proper procedures for evaluating contestants in accordance with association rules.

Legislative Committee -  David Dennison,  Co-Chair Doug VanEtten, Jon Barrett, Wayne Sherwood, Kevin Foster, Mike Smith, David Spencer, Mary Hitchcock-Kitchen, Rebecca Franklin-Guild, Robert Lang, Patrick Gavin, Paul Rieben, Patrick Quinn. 

Provides updates on legislation concerning the fire service.  

Membership Committee - Larry Rieben, Patrick Gavin, Jeff Geer Maryann Ouimette, Linda Rothdiener, All County Directors
Maintains accurate membership records and tracks dues payments from fire companies and departments.

Nomination & Elections Committee - Rebecca Franklin-Guild, Ken Holmes Sr., Patrick Gavin
Manages nominations and election procedures for association officers at the annual meeting.

Northern Central Liaison Committee - Gordy Kotars, Marty Pine, Rick Nemier
Provides updates on activities and events from the Northern Central region.

Old Timers / Newcomers Committee - Ken Holmes Sr., Tom Rothdiener
Coordinates and presents awards recognizing long-standing and new members at the annual meeting.

Public Relations Committee - Larry Rieben, Linda Rothdiener, Art Gage, Paul Rieben, Mary Hitchcock-Kitchen
Reports on special events, VIP engagements, and hospitality activities within CNYFA and FASNY.

Publicity, Website & Facebook Committee - Tom Rothdiener, Jeff Martin, Patrick Gavin
Manages official communications, advertising, and public relations efforts for the association, ensuring a consistent and professional message.

Ray Sherburne-John Haley Lifetime Contribution to the Volunteer Fire Service Award - Past Preidents
Awards to indivudals who contributed to the overall fire service.  

Recruitment & Retention/Explorer / Junior Firefighter Committee - David Glenn, Jeff Geer, Mike Block, Tom Dwyer, Jeff Martin, Kathleen Heighton
Supports Fire Department Explorer and Junior Firefighter programs, ensures award applications are available, and presents awards as needed.

Resolutions Committee - Jeff Geer, David Blair, Kevin Foster
Prepares and presents official resolutions at the annual meeting.

Scholarship Committee - Jeff Martin, David Spencer, Irene Spencer, Rebecca Franklin-Guild, Brian McQueen, Tim Boel-VFIS, Bill Cole-Gates Cole Ins.
Oversees scholarship applications and presents awards to deserving recipients.

Steering Committee - Doug VanEtten, Tom Dwyer, Brian McQueen, David Spencer, Mike Caron, Ken Holmes Sr., Rick Nemier,  Paul Rieben, Fred Griffiths, Rebecca Franklin-Guild
Evaluates and recommends candidates for various leadership positions within the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

Tournaments Committee - Wayne Sherwood, Patrick Gavin, Larry Rieben, Paul Rieben, Becky Rieben, Marlena Rieben, Katie Rieben, Derek Rieben, Jim Whittaker, Brian McQueen, Tom Rothdiener, Coach Bill Rosenhagen(Honorary Captain)
Organizes sporting events, including firematics, golf tournaments, horseshoe competitions, and other activities.

Ways & Means Committee - Jeff Geer, Marty Pine, LInda Rothdiener, Jeff Martin, Mary Hitchcock-Kitchen
Develops fundraising initiatives to support association programs, including raffles and other revenue-generating activities.

Get Involved

CNYFA members are encouraged to participate in committees that align with their interests and expertise. For more information or to join a committee, please contact the President or Secretary.