This year, AAA Western and Central New York recognized four Drivers of the Year for accomplishments during the 2025 calendar year. The Marty Taylor Recognition Award is presented to honorees that exhibit outstanding customer service skills, an impeccable safety record, and commitment to teamwork.
The award is named after Marty Taylor, an AAA Tow Technician that was struck by a speeding vehicle while performing a vehicle recovery on Route 690 in Syracuse in 2005. Marty’s widow, Debbie Taylor, continues to work for AAA as a dispatcher in Syracuse.
Four recipients of the Marty Taylor Recognition Award based on 2025 performance include:
- Frankie Giordano, first-time winner
- David Black, first-time winner
- James Malelis, seven-time award winner
- Allen Walrath, second-time winner
Western New York Drivers of the Year
Frankie Giordano, Roadside Technician of the Year, joined AAA Western New York in January 2025. Giordano is a North
Tonawanda resident, and earned Technician of the Month honors within his first month as an ERS Technician. Giordano was named Technician of the Month seven times in 2025, completing 1,925 road service requests with no safety violations or member complaints.
David Black, Senior Roadside Technician of the Year, joined AAA Western New York in March 2020 as a Tow Operator and was promoted to Senior Technician in 2022. Black is a Lancaster resident, and completed 1,633 road service requests, achieving a 96.6% member satisfaction score without any safety violations.
Central New York Drivers of the Year
James Malelis, Senior Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Central New York in March 2010. Malelis is a Clay resident and seven-time Marty Taylor Recognition Award recipient. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Technician and named Technician of the Month six times, completing 1,931 road service requests with no safety violations or member complaints.
Allen Walrath, Lead Light Service Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Central New York in January 2017 and advanced to his current role.
Walrath is a Syracuse resident and was named Technician of the Month five times in 2025, completing 1,457 road service requests with no safety violations or member complaints.
“Their work reflects the very values this award represents, and I know that Marty would be proud,” Debbie Taylor’s granddaughter, Brielle, shared in a statement. “Seeing them recognized today gives us hope that Marty's message continues to live on.”
NYS expands efforts to increase traffic safety
In 2024, New York State expanded the Move Over law to include all vehicles stopped on the roads. In NYS, drivers are required to use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle. Vehicles can include:
- Police vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Construction
- Maintenance vehicles
- Tow trucks
Drivers must exercise due care by avoiding all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including changing lanes. This law applies to both sides of the road.
DOT expands Work Zone Speed Enforcement program
Earlier this year, provisions adopted under the NYS 2027 Enacted Budget amended the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) § 1180-E. The amendments will increase the number of roadways eligible for speed cameras deployment.
Under the change, speed cameras can be deployed in work zones on nearly any state roadway where DOT crews are working.
Drivers can expect signage on the roadway near construction zones to notify them of upcoming speed cameras. Speed cameras will be placed on DOT-owned pickup trucks within the work zone.
Drivers that receive a violation can contest a work zone Notice of Liability by logging into the program violation processing website and submitting documentation on reasons outlined as allowable defenses by the legislation.
—Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: AAA honors four roadside technicians with Marty Taylor award
