CAZENOVIA — On June 17, lifelong Cazenovia resident Sam Usborne was awarded the Fire Educator of the Year Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) at the organization’s annual conference and trade show in Syracuse.

Usborne is currently an assistant chief of the Cazenovia Volunteer Fire Department, a NYSAFC Hands-on Training (HOT) instructor, a New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control instructor, a Madison County instructor, and a published contributor to NYSAFC’s quarterly magazine, SIZE UP. He also serves the local community as the Village of Cazenovia Street Crew Chief.

He first became involved in the fire service in 1978 when he joined the Cazenovia Fire Department at 18 years old.

He started as a fire service educator in 1999.

“I decided to become involved in fire service training and education because I was influenced by several mentors and instructors when I first joined the fire service,” Usborne said.

He added that his favorite thing about being an instructor is seeing some of his students further their fire service careers and eventually become leaders.

Founded in 1904, the NYSAFC is a not-for-profit organization that serves the leaders and future leaders of New York’s emergency services, “Providing Service to Those Who Serve.”

The Fire Educator of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding effort in fire service training and education, is presented annually in memory of NYSAFC Past President Fred W. Singer, a 40-year member of the Vestal Fire Department who was a highly regarded teacher and champion of firefighter safety and training. Any NYSAFC Individual Member who is a fire service instructor providing training within NYS at the state, county, or department level is eligible for the award.

Usborne was nominated by NYSAFC Chief Executive Officer Bruce E. Heberer.

In his letter of nomination, Heberer expresses that Usborne exemplifies the best attributes of a good instructor.

“Throughout his many years as instructor, he has strived to quietly be the best he could be,” wrote Heberer. “Every moment of every day is a learning experience for Sam. Questioning everyone he contacts, soaking up information to stay on top of and ahead of the educational game.”

According to Heberer, Usborne’s desire to learn from others, including instructors, officers of other departments, and students, has affectionately earned him the nickname “Mr. Question.”

The letter also commends Usborne for his work ethic, humility, heart, eagerness to share his knowledge, calm and efficient teaching style, and dedication to providing his students with the best learning experience possible.

“I know that there are so many instructors who would qualify for this honor,” Heberer wrote. “However, in my opinion, Instructor Usborne is most deserving because of his unassuming, down to earth, relatable teaching method, his level of knowledge in all areas, and his great desire to continue his education every day, along with his long, devoted tenure to make the next generations the best trained, combat ready, intelligent and safety conscious firefighters our service desperately needs.”

Usborne received his award in front of his friends, colleagues, and students during NYSAFC’s HOT at the Syracuse Fire Department Training Center.

“I felt very humbled and honored, but [I] felt that there are others that are more deserving of the award,” Usborne said.

For more information on the NYSAFC, visit nysfirechiefs.com.