Joseph Manuse has been the career Community Risk Reduction Specialist for the Gates, NY, Fire District since 2008. He has been a volunteer firefighter with the Gates-Chili Fire Department for almost 28 years, holding the ranks of lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. As the Community Risk Reduction Specialist, he is responsible for providing various fire prevention and fire safety lessons through community outreach programs within the Gates-Chili School District, local businesses and senior centers. Manuse regularly conducts fire extinguisher/fire safety programs with many of the local businesses, assists with fire evacuation drills, and conducts a Junior Fire Academy every summer for middle school students. In addition, Manuse regularly attends training classes at the New York State Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy to maintain his certifications. In addition to his regular job responsibilities, he has obtained certifications as a building safety inspector, Fire Instructor I and Fire Instructor II and received an associate of applied science degree in fire protection technology. Manuse received the 2016 Raymond Emma Fire Educator of the Year Award.