Rebecca “Beckie” Eleczko was born in December of 1988. She attended and graduated from Buffalo Traditional High School.

Beckie came from a firefighting family. Her father, Bob, was the chief at the time of her passing. Several other family members are or were active with the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department, including her Uncle Chris (past chief), her brother, Brandon (assistant chief), and her grandmother, Karin (past EMS captain). Her cousin, Jake, is a member of the Depew Fire Department, another cousin, Caitlyn, is a past member of the Bowmansville Fire Department.

Beckie said from a very young age that she wanted to become a firefighter and help people, and she was so very proud when she became a member of the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department. Her proudest day was when she became a NYS certified EMT and was on the path to becoming an instructor like her grandmother, “Trauma Mama.”

Beckie is also survived by her sister, Kayla, with whom she had an inseparable bond. They enjoyed texting and talking constantly throughout every day. It was not uncommon for the two of them to just hop in the car and head two hours to Erie, Pennsylvania, for some Krispy Kremes or just a random concert anywhere the car would take them.

Beckie had a profound love for her family and every animal that crossed her path, but none more than her turtle, Painter, and her dog, Mufasa.

Also left with her memory are her Uncle Dan, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Shelly, and cousin, Ryan (“our Marine”), as well as too many friends to mention who miss her smile every day.

Beckie was honored in 2022 at the National EMS Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. In honor of Beckie, her family was accompanied by over 20 of her “fire family” and friends from the Buffalo area. Beckie is the first person in the history of the Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department to have their number permanently retired.