Unadilla Man Named 'volunteer Of Valor'

State Senator James L. Seward today announced that Frank Slocum of Butternut Road, Unadilla has been selected as a 2008 New York State Senate "Volunteer of Valor."

"I am proud to honor Frank Slocum as a Volunteer of Valor and prouder still of the recognition he has earned from his colleagues at the department, neighbors and friends for his dedication to the Unadilla community" said Senator Seward, chairman of the Senate Majority Task Force on Emergency Volunteer Services.

Slocum was honored today (June 10) at the state capital, where his photograph and biography will be displayed in a special public exhibit at the Legislative Office Building.

Slocum has dedicated 51 years of exceptional service as a fire department volunteer in the Unadilla Fire Department. Slocum has served as EMS squad captain, treasurer, second assistant chief (fire), president, vice president and lieutenant of the S.S. North Hose Company. Still active, Slocum currently serves as captain of the fire police. At the county level, Slocum represented Unadilla as vice president of the Otsego County Volunteer Fireman’s Association.

Members of the department nominated Slocum in part for his key role as head of the fire police during the 2006 flood. Members advised Seward that during the flood, Slocum "despite endless hours in the heat and elements, never faltered, always there lending a hand to a neighbor in need ... when the end seemed nowhere in sight."

"An impressive half century of service -- Frank is one of those success stories that we can proudly share with our community, sacrificing his time to help others in times of great need and is an example of excellence in our community," said Senator Seward. "His name now joins that of other men and women whose accomplishments, sacrifices and deeds on behalf of others are deserving of special honor. As chairman of the Senate Task Force on Emergency Volunteer Services, I have deep respect for the volunteers and first responders who answer the siren’s call year-in, year-out, at all times of the day, to protect our lives and our property."

Slocum, nominated for the honor by fire department secretary Stacey Howland representing the entire department, was joined at the Capitol by others members of the UFD.

The senate’s "Volunteers of Valor " program honors New York men and women whose selfless contributions, commitments to their communities and personal achievements serve as an example to all New Yorkers.