Past Chief Michael Torrie Lewiston Fire Company

Michael (The Grantmaster) has been able to get us the equipment we need. He understands the grant process and knows what it takes to win ($590,506 in grant awards).

Steve “Frenchy” Hillman Ransomville Fire Department’s Chief

With other grant writers, our applications were denied four times in a row! This (2008) was our first year with Mike ‘The Grantmaster’ has gotten us $53,010 from the Assistance to Firefi ghters Grants program and a NYSDEC grant. We can usually only afford to buy 2 or 3 sets of gear a year, but with this years award, we were able to outfi t 36 members. In my 35 years in the fire department, we have never been able to spend anywhere close to $53,000 on gear at one time. It was a defi nite moral boost to have our fi refi ghters taking part in the grant process and ultimately the purchase of new gear.

Assistant Chief Terry Mahaffey Lake View Fire District’s

Lake View Fire District has used Mike Penzotti, aka “The Grantmaster” three times in the past twelve months. So far we have received two awards, one from the DEC and one from AFG for a total of more than $113,000. Pretty good investment. We are still waiting to hear on our third. We are planning on a 2009 AFG application and Mike is part of that plan. If you can get him... DO IT!

Chief Toby Tyler Pepperell Fire Department

It’s easy to discuss my needs with a firefighter, someone who understands the job, and the tools. Michael’s always available, nights and weekends are never an issue. When FEMA tried to reduce our 2008 award by $38,973 he was there for us, I supplied the information and he did the rest. The Grantmaster successfully fought to get our funding reinstated to $69,762.

Chief Scott Switzer Harris Hill Volunteer Company’s

Dear Michael, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how pleased I am with your services. In 2008, we have received awards for both AFG and SAFER. This is further than we have ever been in the FEMA grant process. Thank you for your time and talent in this process.

Jim Fino City of Lackawana Fire Department

I am a firefighter for the City of Lackawanna and am responsible for writing grants for the fire department. Mike helped me prepare an AFG grant for 2008 that resulted in a $150,334 award. His knowledge of the entire grant process is exceptional. Mike makes himself accessible and is very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend his services to anyone that wants to be successful in their quest for a AFG grant. Thanks for everything Mike!!!

Chief Todd Nellis Stanley Fire Department

I’m very happy, as is the department, for all the help with this years grant. I guess I wouldn’t believe we would have ever got one with out you. Thanks, I’m working on next years couple of ideas to run by you.

Chief Paul Gurnett Wolcottsville Fire Department

Mike nothing but good things to say, you know where to put your efforts you helped us in realizing we had more infrastructure then we were probably taking credit for. You knew how much they give out for paks etc. A little money spent to reap good rewards in the long run. If anybody ever wants to ask me about my experience’s with Mike ‘The Grantmaster’ send them my way. Thanks for all your help, I look forward to more opportunities.

Max Schwartzmeyer West Seneca Fire District

I guess the fact that we have used you twice and have received grants twice says it all!! We all agree that hiring you (The Grantmaster) was the best move the Fire District could have made. Without your help we feel we would not have been award-ed our 2006 or 2007 grants. Thanks again, you truly are The Grantmaster.

Past Chief Mark Gilson Olcott Fire Company

Back to back AFG awards in 2005 and 2006 totaling $231,249 have enabled our department to keep up to date with protecting our most crucial asset -- our members. Michael ‘The Grantmaster’ was the reason we received these funds.