John J. Burke, Lancaster 9

Chief Burke joined the Lancaster Fire Department in 1996, as a member of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company # 1. During his first year, he received the honor of receiving the John C. Lyon Memorial Rookie of the Year award. He also received the Firefighter of the Year award in 2001.

Chief Burke assisted with relief efforts for the World Trade Center tragedy in September 2001 with other firefighters from the Lancaster Fire Department. In January 2007, he received an award from CW Channel 23 for one of the Bravest of Western New York for his role in the rescue of a victim during a December 2006 bedroom fire.

During his ten years in the Fire Department, Chief Burke has served two years as Second Lieutenant and two years as Captain of Rescue Hook and Ladder Company # 1. He has taken classes at the National Fire Academy and received certificates in Leadership Strategies for Personal Success along with Leadership for Supervisory Success.

Chief Burke is employed as a laborer with the Village of Lancaster Department of Public Works (DPW).

Ph/Fax 716.683.1903

E-Mail jburke@lancasterfd.org

James N. Robinson, Lancaster 9-1

Chief Robinson joined the Lancaster Fire Department in 1985, as a member of the Eagle Hose Company. He has held a number of positions including Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Captain of the Eagle Hose Company.

Chief Robinson was actively involved on the Engine # 2 and Engine # 5 truck committees. In 2002, he was recognized by the Erie County Fire Chief’s Organization, Police Captain and Lieutenants Organization, FASNY, the Southwestern Association of Firemen, and the Lancaster Fire Department for his actions that led to the rescue of a victim from a house fire in the Town of Lancaster during the summer of 2002.

Chief Robinson is a Lieutenant with the Lancaster Police Department, serving on the force for 15 years.

Ph/Fax 716.683.1903

E-Mail asstchief2@lancastervillage.org

Scott M. Kuhlmey, Lancaster 9-2

Chief Kuhlmey joined the Lancaster Fire Department in 1988 as a member of the Department Explorer Post # 333. He went on to join the Citizens Hose Company in 1992.

Chief Kuhlmey holds degrees in Disaster & Emergency Management, as well as Fire Protection Technology. He is the Director of Emergency Management for the Village of Lancaster and an adjunct instructor for the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.), leading the Fire Protection curriculum. Chief Kuhlmey holds a number of professional certifications, including, NYS Fire Inspector, NYS Emergency Medical Technician D, NYS Fire Instructor, NYS Fire Officer II, NYS Hazardous Materials Technician, NYS National Incident Management System (NIMS) Instructor, NYS Code Enforcement Official, and Nationally Certified Firefighter II.

Chief Kuhlmey successfully completed the Disaster & Emergency Management Certificate Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Safety & Health Specialist Certificate Program at the Niagara County Community College and the FEMA Professional Development Series in Emergency Management.

During his 20 years in the Fire Department, Chief Kuhlmey has served as Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Captain of the Citizens Hose Company, as well as Rescue Lieutenant and EMS Captain of the Department. He was the first Explorer to advance to Chief within the Lancaster Fire Department.

Chief Kuhlmey received the honor of 2006 Firefighter of the Year by the Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization and in 2007; he was awarded as one of the Bravest of Western New York by WIVB Channel 4 / WNLO Channel 23 for his rescue of a victim from a house fire in December 2006. He was recognized as the Lions Club of Lancaster Firefighter of the Year and received the Lions Club District 20-N Courageous Hero Award. On April 22, 2007, Senator Dale Volker presented Chief Kuhlmey with the New York State Senate Liberty Award and Medal, the highest honor that the State Senate bestows upon a civilian for heroic action, exceptional achievement, and dedication. On August 11, 2007, he was presented with the Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association 2007 Firefighter of the Year Award. He also received a meritorious commendation by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and awarded 2007 Firefighter of the Year for the Lancaster Fire Department.

Chief Kuhlmey is a Deputy Sheriff Police Officer with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Inspector for the Village of Lancaster.

Ph/Fax 716.683.1903

E-Mail skuhlmey@lancastervillage.org

James Schaefer, Lancaster 9-3

Biography coming soon.

Ph/Fax 716.683.1903

E-Mail jschaefer@lancasterfd.org

Click here to view the list of Past Chiefs of the Lancaster Fire Department, 1874-2008