David Simon Named Fire Educator Of The Year

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year David Simon

North Adams - City firefighter David Simon was named the 2006 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year during a Sept. 28 conference at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center.

Simon is a 20-year veteran of the city fire department. He was named first runner-up during a 2005 by the state Department of Fire Services and was listed among the state's top 20 fire and life safety educators during 2004.

"The best thing is that we brought this out to Western Mass.," Simon said during an Oct. 10 interview. "People in Boston know what we do out here."

Simon was chosen from a pool of nine finalists. Finalists were selected from a larger group of nominees.
"It's terrific," Simon said of the honor. "I'm happy for the entire department. I believe that the Fire Education For Older Citizens program that we did is what put me up there, and I really want people to know that about half the department worked on that program. Many firefighters were deeply involved with that program. It wasn't just me."

The FEOC program was funded with a $19,950 U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant and $1,995 in city matching funds. The program included a fire department produced safety video that was televised locally and accessible at www.iberkshires.com and a free home smoke detector installation endeavor available to older city residents.

The program has finished but several smoke detectors remain available, Simon said. Any city resident age 65 or over in need of a smoke detector may contact Simon, he said.

Simon is involved with numerous fire safety programs, including public school initiatives, a yearly Berkshire region poster contest, pre-school fire education, and additional endeavors. Simon is also involved with fire safety programs at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

"I want people to understand that the department is very supportive of public safety education," Simon said. "I'm just the guy who doesn't mind having his face out there. Everybody works hard and I get lots of support from the guys."

Anyone who would like to speak with Simon about acquiring a smoke detector may call 413-664-4923.

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.