Public Educator of the Year

Beginning in 2007 the MFIS honored Cary Thompson with the first ever public educator of the year. The award has been developed in honor of Fire Marshal Larry Zimmerman. Larry served as fire inspector and fire marshal with the City of Royal Oak. Larry was diagnosed with amyloidosis and lost his life to the terrible disease.

Known to the children of the area as Firemen Larry his efforts in public education changed many children and prevented hundreds of accidental fires or injuries. This award is given in honor of “Firemen Larry’s” service and commitment to the fire prevention.

Criteria:

The award shall be given to a person who has demonstrated continued efforts in public fire education and prevention. The MFIS executive board will consider all applications and select an appropriate nominee. This award may be given annually during the September conference. The following items should be considered in the application:

• Education should continue over several years of service to the community.
• Programs should promote fire safety, wellness, or preparedness.
• The overall education should provide span multiple age groups including children, teens, adults, and seniors.
• Utilize unconventional means in delivering key information.
• Develop programs that can be provided by department or organizational members.

We are honored to give this award to the deserving professional. If you feel that a member of your organization or department is deserving of the Firemen Larry Public Educator award submit the attached application to any executive board member by August 1, 2009. Send us an email or feel free to contact Michael O’Brian at mobrian@brightonareafire.com.

2009 Fire Inspector Vlahos

2009 Recipient, Peter Vlahos

Bloomfield Township Fire Department.  Fire Inspector Vlahos has served the Bloomfield Township Community and had great success over the past 4 years with educating the public on the dangers of fire.  The various programs were highlighted through a 2nd grade program which teaches school children on dangers of fire and how to be safety conscious.

2008 Recipient Tom Kiurski

Livonia Fire Rescue.  Tom is know for his public education programs which include a safety

day at the Laurel Park Place Mall, organizing the efforts of the department’s open house, and for his continued efforts in training the future educators at Schoolcraft College and Oakland Community College

2007 Recipent Cary Thompson

Royal Oak Fire Department has show tremendous dedication over the years for his efforts in public education.  After being mentored by Larry Zimmerman, he has help lead the education efforts in the City of Royal Oak.  This includes a new project in conjunction with Beaumont Hospital titled “Safety Town”.