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For Immediate Release:
July 6, 2023
FRESINA UNANIMOUSLY REELECTED TO LEAD NEW YORK STATE PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS
McGowan Secretary Treasurer; Holleran Executive Vice President
The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association has re-elected retired Albany City Fire Fighter Sam Fresina for a fourth term as the state president of the 18,000 member union during its biannual convention hosted by the Schenectady Permanent Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 28) in Schenectady.
Fresina was nominated by Kevin McGeary, Vice President of the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF Local 2007); and Eddie Santiago, President of the Rochester Fire Fighters Association (IAFF Local 1071) seconded the nomination.
Fresina was elected to his first term as statewide president in 2016.
Also reelected to statewide office were James McGowan of Mahopac as Secretary/Treasurer; and David Holleran of Binghamton as Executive Vice President.
Fresina’s service at the state level began in 2004 as Executive Vice President; and in 2010 he was elected Secretary/Treasurer.
Prior to his role his responsibilities on the state level, he served locally as president of the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 2007) during a 20-year career with the Albany Fire Department.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as NYSPFFFA’s president,” said Fresina. “The unanimous support of the membership is an endorsement of our priorities and the ability to deliver during challenging times. Moving forward, we will continue to fight for pension tier fairness, for additional funding for safety programs and health care screenings for the membership, and legislation that recognizes the extraordinary contributions and role played by those who serve in the professional fire service, and ensures for adequate fire protection and staffing 24-hours per day.”
As a labor leader, Fresina’s voice is recognized as among New York’s most politically influential. During his most recent term he successfully led NYSPFFA’s efforts to strengthen the statutory presumption for professional fire fighters that succumb to heart disease in their performance of duty, secured $1.5 million in the state budget to bolster member safety and training, and shepherded legislation through the Capitol creating a statewide fire-fighter bill of rights.
He also serves as Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority; and has been appointed by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli as a member of the Advisory Council for the New York State Retirement system.
Fresina began his firefighting career in the U.S. Air Force in 1985, where he served the country for two years stationed in England and two years at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Fl. He joined the Albany Fire Department in 1990.
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