The Firefighter of the Year award recognizes the significant contributions, achievements, character and long-term dedication of the individual being considered. Selection is based on the candidate's performance of duties, motivation, teamwork, leadership, creativity, safety and customer service.

Tony Gutilla

For over 32 years Firefighter Tony Gutilla has given his best to the fire service. Tony is a team player who possesses a unique blend of qualities. He has the experience of a senior man and the enthusiasm of a rookie He is respected by his peers for his book knowledge but even more for his street smarts. Tony makes his home at Quint and Midi 6 on North Clinton Avenue yet is one of the department's most successful EMS instructors at the Fire Training Academy. Upbeat and ready to go to work, Tony is one of the first guys to take a recruit under his wing. He goes above and beyond to insure the well being of his coworkers and those he serves.  He is not a “done that/ been there” type of guy but one who strives to improve his skills and share his experience with others. He is someone who loves his job.

Tony has been active in the department's EMS office since 1999.  He is the lead instructor for CFR and EMT courses and for the past five years has volunteered to be the Instruction/Coordinator for all of the EMT-Original courses.  These courses are challenging for the instructor due to the detail required and the unfamiliar material for the students. Tony takes a personal interest in the success of his students and brings a wealth of experience with him to the classroom. Tony's success can bee seen in the number of certified EMTs that complete his course.  His pass rate is extraordinary, far above the State average.  The appreciation of his students is expressed in their comments:

•“Excellent presentation, made material fun and easy to grasp and understand.”

•“Tony knows the subject well. His attitude and passion were contagious…”        

•“Testing was made easy by good preparation.”                   

•"Everyone passed the practical examinations, what more needs to be said? Hats off to Tony!”

Tony Gutilla represents the best in an instructor and, in a line firefighter. He projects professionalism through his manner and expects no less from his students and coworkers. On the fire ground, at a medical emergency or in the classroom Tony is a man for others. Without fanfare, he goes about his work and quietly gets the job done. He is a model for others to follow. Tony Gutilla, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the citizens of this community and for acting in the finest tradition of Rochester Fire Department. We are fortunate to have you on our team and proud to name you the 2007 Clover Capital Firefighter of the Year.

LEONARD J. HUETHER MEDAL OF HONOR
MEDAL OF VALOR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE LIFE SAVING AWARD
UNIT COMMENDATION AWARD
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
LIST OF PAST FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR RECEIPIENTS