Commissioner Walters addresses team members Officers and Leaders being sworn in by the Commissioner (from left to right: Jim Gajewski, Jeff Hartman, Mike Buttino, Dave Tolejko, Frank Bermel, Diane Randazzo, Jack Nunn, Joe Bethge, Commissioner Walters) Commissioner Walters congratulates Team Leaders (from left to right: Jim Gajewski, Jeff Hartman, Mike Buttino and Dave Tolejko)

At the first meeting of the new year, on January 12th, Commissioner Mike Walters of the Erie County Department of Emegency Services installed the newly elected officers and team leaders of the Erie County Hazardous Materials Team.

Commissioner Walters congratulated the group and then performed the swearing in ceremony. Installed as President was Joe Bethge and as Vice Present Diane Randazzo both re-elected to another term of one year. Frank Bermel was re-elected as the Team Leader and Jeffrey Hartman was elected as the 1st Assistant Team Leader. Mike Buttino was installed as 2nd Assistant, Dave Tolejko as 3rd Assistant and Jim Gajewski as 4th Assistant Team Leaders. Team Chaplain Jack Nunn was re-elected and installed as Sergeant At Arms. Elected Secretary, but unable to attend was Don Trzepacz, Jr. who was called to active duty with the U.S. Air Force.

In remarks afterward, Commissioner Walters praised the team for their professionalism and continuing preparation for Domestic Preparedness. Since 9/11 he said the importance of having a first rate Hazardous Materials Team as a line of first defense is at the top of the list in Homeland Security. The Erie County Hazmat Team is one of the best trained, best organized in the state and they should be proud of their stature, Walters said.

Team Supply Officer Earl Loder (The Earl of Emergency) addresses
the team at the meeting following the swearing in ceremony