New York Fire Fighters Honored for Service

April 10, 2009 – Two New York IAFF members have been honored with the 2009 Hudson Valley 40 Under 40 "Shaker" Award. Each year, the Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce awards 40 people under the age of 40 for their business savvy, community service and leadership in the community. Beacon, NY Local 3490 fire fighter Jason Fisch, 24, and Arlington, NY Local 2393 fire fighter Adam Kangas, 30, were among the honorees.

“This award usually goes to corporate figures, not emergency service professionals,” says Kangas. “So, I was both surprised and honored to receive the award.”

Kangas spends his free time working with charities, including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Adopt-A-Highway.

Fisch went to college to study computers, but later became interested in fire fighting. He has, however, been able to use his computer savvy to help his fellow fire fighters with their computer systems.

When he was younger, Fisch was a Boy Scout and was instrumental in working with the city of Beacon in an attempt to establish an Explorer Program for city teens to learn more about fire fighting. Currently, he donates his time and money to local community groups, including Hudson Valley Semper Fi and the HUB (Hudson Valley Young Professionals) Community Service Committee.