A Remsen man is honoring his late brother by helping others as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and we want to honor him for "First Responder Friday.'

Andrew Varin lost his younger brother in a car accident in 2013. He joined the Barneveld Fire Department shortly after to help people, just like those that helped his brother the day he was tragically killed. "He said it was what he needed to do," says Varin's mom Kimberly.

Varin is not only is a volunteer fireman, and EMT, he is also a NYS Corrections Officer. "He offers to trade his time so co-workers with families can have their holidays off," Kimberly says. He has worked very hard these past few years in spite of all that has happened in our lives."

In addition to mourning a son and brother, the Varin's lost their home and all their possessions, including Andrew's car, in the Halloween flood in Poland. "He was rescued by a boat the day of the flooding but stayed with the Poland firemen to see what he could do."

Varin was also the one that took a boat back to try and retrieve his brother's ashes after the flood.

Photo Credit - Kim Sterling Demetro
Photo Credit - Kim Sterling Demetro
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"The last 10 years of our lives have been rough and without Andrew I truly don't believe I would be here today," says Kimberly.

Thank you for your selfless sacrifice Andrew and continuing to help others when they need it most.


Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officers, military, rescuers or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday,' presented by Martin, Harding & Mazzotti.

We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

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