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David Hazelton stands with his wife, Nancy, after the presentation of the George B. Weaver Jr. Footprints award on Monday.
Shortly after receiving state proclamations from Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, David Hazelton was overcome with emotion — and at a loss for words.
Hazelton, who has served the Brocton-Portland area as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services for decades, was this year’s recipient of the George B. Weaver Jr. Footprints award. A presentation took place following the annual meeting of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation on Monday.
Before he spoke, a video of tributes from friends, colleagues and his wife, Nancy, was presented to those in attendance. “He is so caring and loving and giving,” she said proudly.
No stranger to public service, Hazelton has served as village of Brocton mayor and will be returning to the Brocton school board next month. His greatest devotion, besides raising three sons, is where he is needed the most in his hometown: with the volunteer fire department answering emergency calls.
As members start to age out, Hazelton continues to build on a dynamic record of commitment. Three years ago, the department had more than 400 calls over a 12-month period. Hazelton had responded to about 390 of those.
“There’s a never-ending list,” said Steve Smith, EMS captain for the Brocton Fire Department. “He cares for the community. He cares for the people of his community.”
Others who spoke of Hazelton’s giving ways and accomplishments were Brocton schools Superintendent Jason Delcamp, longtime friends Mary and Steve Woleben, current village Mayor Craig Miller, Henry Link, past commander of the American Legion Post 434 in Brocton, and Dave Travis, current board president for the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.
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“Keeping our community safe,” Travis said. “I think that is his biggest accomplishment and how active he still is today.”
His volunteerism also was at the center of one of Brocton’s biggest weekends in decades. In 2009, Hazelton worked with Link and the legion to bring the moving Vietnam Memorial Wall to the village. Tens of thousands attended the historic event, including many from around the region as well as hundreds of veterans from that war.
After receiving the honors, Hazelton thanked the foundation and his wife of 44 years. “Every time I do something, she’s taking care of everything else,” he said, becoming emotional. Those in attendance at the LoGuidice Center BOCES for the presentation, then offered a round of applause.
Hazelton said his family moved to Brocton when he was 11. They cherished the small town atmosphere while receiving plenty of opportunities to participate in sports and the community happenings.
“When people kid me about not wanting to go anywhere, I get a lot of that,” he said. “Even my wife says my idea of a vacation is a yard sale in Ripley.”
“It’s true,” his wife spoke from the crowd after some laughter.
Then Hazelton again talked of his loyalty to his home. “In reality, when you love the place you’re at, why go anyplace else?”
Before Hazelton’s honors, the foundation noted its 38th year and marked a milestone. Diane Hannum, executive director, noted for the first time in the organization’s history its financial assets topped $40 million.
“It’s nice. It’s a number. It’s very important,” said Richard Ketcham, foundation board member. “But the only thing it really means, is we can do more for the community.”