Staff Report / July 11, 2026
BRANCHPORT — A tireless dedication to teaching local kids and families how to survive the unthinkable has earned one Finger Lakes first responder the highest honor in the Empire State.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has officially named David Mortensen, past chief of the Branchport Fire Department as the 2026 Fire Safety Educator of the Year. The prestigious state-wide award recognizes individual firefighters who go far above and beyond the call of duty to design, implement, and lead exceptionally effective fire prevention and safety curriculum within their home communities.
Mortensen, who has poured nearly three decades of service into the Branchport volunteer department, was highly praised by state fire officials for turning abstract safety concepts into engaging, memorable life lessons for rural residents. Local emergency leaders noted that his proactive, hands-on teaching style has built an invaluable safety net across the region, heavily reducing preventable household fire risks long before sirens ever need to be sounded.
The veteran chief’s multi-decade crusade to safeguard the community has relied on an array of innovative and deeply impactful educational programs.
By transforming a routine volunteer role into a lifelong mission for public education, Chief Mortensen has proven that the most powerful weapon a fire department possesses isn’t the water in the truck—it’s an informed and prepared community.
