GREENE – Greene Fire Department Chief Rick Woerter received this year’s award as firefighter of the year from the Chenango County Fire Association after years of service and dedication towards helping not only strangers, but the firefighters around him.

According to Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith, Woerter is a dedicated individual who has spent years mentoring the firefighters around him.

“He’s a great guy, I’ve always valued his input a lot, and he’s the kind of person that’s always looking for better ideas,” said Beckwith. “It’s really beneficial in my position as fire coordinator to have people like Rick that I can call when I want to get another opinion.”

He said Woerter efficiently uses the time he has available to him, and strives to make the best of it, without sacrificing his close relationship to his family.