Chamber Honors FDNY & EMS at 2026 Valor Awards
On March 25, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Valor Awards, which celebrates and honors the extraordinary actions, bravery, and commitment to the communities Staten Island’s firefighters and EMS workers serve.
This year’s honorees responded to a range of life-threatening emergencies, including structural fires, severe trauma incidents, and water rescues, each demonstrating remarkable composure and decisive action under extreme conditions.
The event kicked off with a video - produced by Insight Media and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce - that looked back on the 25 years since the tragic events of 9/11.
The keynote address was delivered by Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, the 37th FDNY Fire Commissioner. Commissioner Bonsignore remarked on Staten Island’s strong support of the borough’s public servants, and congratulated the year’s honorees.
Among those recognized were EMS teams who delivered advanced lifesaving care in critical moments. Paramedics Jason Costello and Stephen Totoriello performed rapid trauma interventions following a devastating expressway accident, stabilizing a critically injured patient through swift assessment and advanced procedures. Similarly, ParamedicsDaniel Fennell and Michael Strobel provided lifesaving care to a two-year-old child suffering severe burns, successfully resuscitating and stabilizing the child despite the intensity of the injuries.
Firefighters were also honored for acts of exceptional courage. Firefighter Donald Campbell risked his life in zero visibility conditions to rescue a fellow firefighter following a mayday call, demonstrating unwavering commitment and bravery. Lieutenant Scott Ettinger was recognized for his heroic rescue of a civilian trapped in a burning home, navigating extreme heat and heavy smoke to bring the victim to safety.
Teamwork played a critical role in several rescues. Engine 161 was named Company of the Year for a coordinated water rescue in dangerous surf conditions, where quick action and seamless collaboration resulted in a life saved. Additionally, Captain James McCue, Lieutenant John Quiles, EMT David Taranto, and EMT Kameron Williams were recognized for their leadership and clinical excellence in safely treating and removing a severely injured patient from a hazardous environment involving asbestos exposure.
Across each of these incidents, a common thread emerged: the ability to remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions in seconds, and work together to save lives. These honorees embody the very best of the FDNY and serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that protect our community every day.
The event was sponsored by Signature Sponsors The Brielle, Gerald Peters, Northfield Bank, Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Orenda, PMI US, Richmond University Medical Center, and Sottile Security, as well as Partner Sponsors Municipal Credit Union and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The success of the event was made possible through the leadership of Committee Head Michele Esposito (Staten Island Chamber of COmmerce) and the dedication of its co-chairs, Jerry Amerosi (Gerald Peters), and Salvatore Sottile (Sottile Security International, Inc.). They were supported by the Safety and Security Committee, which includes Luis Basso (FDNY), William Cutrone (FDNY), Braken Fiore (Red Wealth), Jack Furnari (Tunnel to Towers Foundation), Mark Giacalone (Valley Bank), Frank Morisano (Staten Island University Hospital), John LaBarbera (Tunnel to Towers Foundation), Heather McCauley (Tekie Geek), Anthony Reinhart (Board of Elections), and Dan Ryan (Staten Island Media Group).
