On Dec. 2, 2025, The American Legion bestowed upon firefighter Robert Weiskerger the highest award the Legion can give. Weiskerger was awarded the American Legion Firefighter of the Year award for rushing into a burning building on Oct. 1, 2023, to rescue a fellow firefighter. Weiskerger suffered burns all over his body but was able to pull himself and his colleague, Kyle Barthel, to safety.
Firefighter Weiskerger has served with the Sunset Bay, N.Y., Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 33 years, where he remains the captain of the fire department. He was accompanied by his immediate family and the family within the community he has learned to love and protect. Both Robert and Kyle shared their stories in emotional and heartfelt speeches that left many in the audience in tears, to include Firefighter Barthel's young daughter. As Barthel explained, had it not been for Weiskerger's heroic actions, he may not have been able to share his story today.
Department of New York American Legion Commander John R. Miga presented the award to Weiskerger in front of several fellow firefighters, reporters and Chautauqua County American Legion members. Along with this prestigious award, Weiskerger received resolutions and certificates of acknowledgement from Congressman Nick Langworthy (23rd District), Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor.