SOUTHWICK – Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson, along with his wife, Lisa, were nominated for an award by the Department of Fire Services.
Nominated for the Stephen D. Coan Fire Marshal Award, Russ talked about how humbled he and his wife are for the nomination for such an award.
“You’re always grateful for any kind of recognition,” said Anderson. “It’s really rewarding for the amount of people we’ve affected.”
The Anderson’s are a part of the Western Massachusetts Safety and Fire Education Association. Other nominees for the award are also member of the association and come from a number of different fire departments and communities across Western Massachusetts.
Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson and his wife, Lisa, were nominated for an award by the Department of Fire Services. (WNG File Photo)
A volunteer group of both active and retired fire safety professionals, the association works collaboratively to educate the public about fire safety and burn prevention.
Every year, the organization has an educational booth for the 17 days at the Big E. With roughly 1.5 million visitors at the Big E each year, Anderson sees a clear significance talking to the public about prevention at the booth.
“You never know how many lives you’ve affected,” said Anderson. “You’re stopping stuff before it happens.”
The association also has an annual visit to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield and also works with the American Red Cross for their smoke alarm programs. Besides educating people about fire prevention in person, the organization is also active on social media in order to get their message across.
A part of the Western Massachusetts Safety and Fire Education Association for at least 10 years, Anderson notes the success that the group has.
“It’s an effective group working together for the mission of fire prevention,” said Anderson.
The Anderson’s and nominees of other awards will be attending the 28th Annual “Firefighter of the Year” Awards at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Nov. 21 for the ceremony.
