Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that she is accepting nominations for her First Responder of the Year Awards.

“The Mohawk Valley is home to remarkable men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our families,” said Buttenschon. “They deserve to be recognized for their hard work, bravery and everything they do to ensure our communities remain safe places to live and raise a family. These awards are the perfect opportunity to honor that devotion.”

Buttenschon encourages community members to nominate a first responder who has positively impacted them or the community at large. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 14 and can be filled out online at www.nyassembly.gov/buttenschon. Recipients will be awarded at a ceremony in October which will be sponsored by Gates Cole Insurance.

Buttenschon is committed to recognizing the courage and dedication of first responders. Earlier this year, she authored and passed legislation to rename a portion of Route 69 in the village of Whitesboro in memory of fallen Whitesboro Police Officer Kevin F. Crossley (Ch. 101 of 2019). Additionally, she co-sponsored and helped pass a resolution urging New York State’s congressional delegation to permanently authorize the Sept. 11^th Victim Compensation Fund Act (K.442). The legislation would help ensure all first responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks continue receiving compensation for health problems related to the tragedy.