Citizen Life Safety Award, New Assistant Chief, and EMS Week
Tonight’s Board of Fire Commissioners meeting had a full agenda, as many recognitions were being made for a job well done.
The meeting began by recognizing four employees of the YMCA, who performed CPR on a gentleman who had a medical emergency while in the pool in April. Unfortunately, the patient did not survive, but the YMCA had trained professionals to intervene prior to the arrival of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, which is a true service to its members. Two employees were present tonight and Fire Chief Sharp and EMS Chief Bill Barber awarded both Angela Garner and David Ramirez for their efforts during the incident. They were thanked for their quick actions and recognized with the Life Safety Citizen Award.
The next presentation was of Hallie McCurdy, who was recently promoted to Assistant Chief. Chief McCurdy started with the Lakewood Fire Department in 1994 and has worked her way through the ranks within the Prevention Division, most recently to Battalion Chief / Assistant Fire Marshal. She will now serve as the Fire Marshal and oversee the Prevention Division, as well as Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Management. Her family joined her tonight as her son, Sean, pinned her new badge on her shirt. Congratulations, Chief McCurdy!
Finally, Emergency Medical Services Week is May 15-21, 2016 and marks the 50th anniversary of this annual recognition. The Pierce County Council and Executive adopted a resolution this month to recognize the efforts of all EMS providers and their dedication to their service 24 hours a day. Chief Sharp and the Board expressed its importance and the dedication West Pierce Fire & Rescue offers its citizens.
Congratulations to all recognized tonight on a job well done.