Dorothy Button

Dorothy Button has a long and distinguished record of service and accomplishments that includes serving her country, years of dedicated work on behalf of fellow veterans, and decades of volunteerism as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. 

During her 20 years of honorable service with the United States Coast Guard, two years were spent on active duty in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001, protecting the American homeland. 

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Button served a notable two weeks of active duty in Alexandria, Louisiana, assisting with hurricane recovery operations. Her service with the Coast Guard has earned Ms. Button 21 awards and decorations recognizing her devoted service to our country. 

As a veteran, Ms. Button is also a member of the American Legion’s Ashford Memorial Post No. 1576 and for 12 years, she has served in a number of leadership capacities at the Post, county and district levels. Among her groundbreaking achievements, she was the fi rst woman to serve as 8th District Commander, and just the second woman to serve as Cattaraugus County Legion Commander. 

As a proud member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Ms. Button is also the Director of the Seneca Nation’s Veterans Department, where she assists fellow Native American veterans in receiving the services they’ve earned. 

Ms. Button is also a 22 year volunteer firefighter and EMT with the West Valley Volunteer Fire Company, a fi re commissioner for West Valley Fire District One, a director of the Southwestern Volunteer Firemen’s Association, and a past member and chair of the Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board. 

She is also currently the secretary of the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Chapter of the American Red Cross and a member and past treasurer of the Southwestern Regional EMS Council. 

For her life of selfl ess and generous service to others, Dorothy Button is truly a Woman of Distinction, worthy of our deepest respect, admiration and heartfelt thanks.