True Spirit! CNY Firefighter Serves 4 Departments In Just 8 Years

Meet Matthew Yaciuk

Here's a first responder who has shown his dedication at not one, but four different fire departments. Matt has been a firefighter for 8 years, serving previously at Onondaga Hill, Sentinel Heights, and Nedrow. He now works north of Oneida Lake with Cleveland Fire Department.

Matt has followed right in his father's footsteps. His dad, Stephen Yaciuk, is also a firefighter who started at the age of 18 in Spring Valley. Now the father and son duo currently serve together in Cleveland.

Matt always wanted to be a firefighter since he was 4 years.

Thank you Matt for all that you do. Your endless commitment and dedication to being a first responder has shown through every community you've served. You certainly deserve a shout-out for all that you've done.

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officers, military, rescuers, front line workers, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture, and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them an oil change from Jiffy Lube on Commercial Drive in New Hartford and a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.