ONEONTA -- What do good computer skills, flood rescues and nearly three decades of service have in common?
They were the benchmarks for a recent round of awards for Oneonta firefighters, Oneonta Fire Chief Robert Barnes said Thursday.
Five firefighters were honored with the Albert Naples Excellent Service Award at the Oneonta Fire Department's annual awards ceremony earlier this month.
The awards were made possible by a retired captain in the fire department, Albert Naples.
Naples, who retired in 1978, donated $5,000 to the department last year to start the awards, which recognize five firefighters each year for their "duty, honor, service."
The firefighters received the awards for a range of activities including a physical rescue, computer work, management of special projects and length of service with the department, Barnes said.
Barnes said it is important to sometimes step back and reflect on positive accomplishments of the department.
"From an administrative standpoint, it's very important," Barnes said. "Oftentimes they don't get the recognition they deserve."
Each firefighter received a plaque with a certificate Dec. 9 and the awards are funded entirely by Naples' gift, he said.
Barnes said firefighting is becoming more technical in all aspects, and although computer work may not be as high-profile as other aspects of the job, it is a key component of the department’s operation.
"It's extremely important," Barnes said.
Two of the awards relate to actions taken by firefighters during the June flooding, which Barnes said was the single most defining event of 2006.
Firefighter Peter Barberio was recognized for carrying two people to higher ground when rising floodwaters threatened their home.
Firefighter Edward Dower used computer skills to help coordinate the relief effort.
"He's a wizard with spreadsheets," Barnes said of Dower's abilities.
Barnes said it isn't unusual for a retiree such as Naples to stay active in the department.
"It's the type of business that gets in your blood and never leaves," Barnes said Thursday. "He's terrific."
But Naples, during a recent visit to The Daily Star newsroom, said the focus of the awards should not be on him - it should be on the firefighters.
The firefighters receiving this year's awards include:
Capt. Steve Judd, who has served the department for more than 29 years.
Dower, who maintained a database and used his computer skills to track resources during the flooding emergency in June.
Barberio, who carried two people out of their home in Oneonta's West End the night of June 27 after rapidly rising floodwaters threatened it. Barberio took the people to higher ground.
Firefighter Andy Turner. Turner was given the award for his willingness to accept many special details and to coordinate special projects during the year.
Firefighter Ron Wamsley. Wamsley worked with the department's fire record-keeping software and computer system.
