CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (Aug. 8, 2025) — Two U-Crest Fire District members were recognized Friday during Erie County’s Firefighter 1 graduation ceremonies.

Firefighter Matthew Prusiecki graduated from the 2025 Firefighter 1 BEFO/SCBA/IFO Bootcamp, where he delivered the class address and received the Robert E. Newell Memorial Fund Award for leadership and commitment. The award, created in memory of a longtime state and county instructor, was presented by Newell’s sons and colleague Jon Torre.

Firefighter Maddison Jordan also completed the 2025 Erie County BEFO class, though she was not present for the ceremony.

U-Crest officials congratulated both graduates, calling their achievements a source of pride for the department.