Getzville fireman receives award
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Lt. Blake Strom displays his Firefighter of the Year Honorable Mention award.

Getzville Firefighter Blake Strom received honorable mention as Firefighter of the year for 2005. The Erie County Firefighter of the Year Committee presented the lieutenant a plaque of appreciation at the Erie County Fair Aug. 11.

According to the nomination letter, on March 19, 2005, a fire broke out at Brian Hall at the University at Buffalo North Campus.

The seven story building is connected by walkways to several other buildings including the Charles W. Sears Law Library, which is home to many priceless books. With no fire protection systems or sprinklers present, the Getzville Fire Department needed to act quickly.

Strom's engine was the first to arrive. He was appointed to interior operations and entered the building with the first crew. Once inside, a blanket of black smoke clung to the ceiling of the first floor. The crew split up in search of the source of the flames, the letter stated.

Strom's group quickly found the fire in a student lounge on the second floor. The lieutenant and two other volunteer firefighters began searching for the standpipe system, or water supply, in the building to make the initial attack. Several problems arose, but Strom remained calm and in control.

Some of his gear melted, giving him small second degree burns on his face and knees.

The letter stated that it was Strom's professionalism and courage that stopped the fire from reaching the library and destroying the books.

Strom said he was honored to have been recognized for this award.