TWO ENDICOTT FIREFIGHTERS NAMED BROOME COUNTY FIREMEN OF THE YEAR

The Broome County Firefighters' Association awarded the William Grace Firefighter of the Year Award to Endicott Firefighter Chris Sampson and Inspector Matt Griswold during its meeting on March 5, 2022. Chief Joseph Griswold recommended both men for their life-saving actions while responding to a fire at an apartment building on Parsons Avenue on May 11, 2021.

 Matt Griswold searched apartments upon arrival to make sure all occupants were safely out. He found a man sleeping inside a bedroom, woke him up, and helped him get out of the building.

Chris Sampson worked with firefighter Scott Goforth on a hose line and began working their way upstairs to the second floor. The stairs were compromised, and Goforth fell through to his waist. Sampson single-handedly grabbed Goforth and pulled him out of the stairs, and both men safely exited the building.

Sampson has served the Endicott Fire Department for 14 years and Griswold for eight years. This is the second William Grace Firemen of the Year Award for Griswold.

"Firefighters are typically humble about our work and say "it's just my job" no matter how impressive their actions may be. Still, our brothers deserve recognition, and both Matt and Chris are absolutely deserving of this award," said Fire Marshal Brian Botsford.