By Cindy Devone-Pacheco
Attendees at Friday’s general session were treated to a morning filled with various inspirational leaders ranging from the incoming leadership of the IAFC to a former NBA star. Up and coming leaders were also recognized as FireRescue magazine’s 2010 Company Officer of the Year award was presented by editor-in-chief, Tim Sendelbach, to Lieutenant Shawn Jones of the Ann Arundel County (Md.) Fire Department (AAFD).
A fourth-generation firefighter and 14-year veteran of the AAFD, Lt. Jones currently serves not only as a company officer at Station 26 in South Glen Burie, but also as a liaison officer on the Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team. Prior to his current positions, Jones served his department as a recruit training officer, field training officer, public information officer, and fire and life safety educator. In short, Jones has worn many hats at the AAFD, and as a result, has developed a thorough understanding of his community and its needs.
Although Station 26 is the busiest in the county, Lt. Jones has made it a priority to implement programs that better protect and empower his community. He implemented the S.A.F.E. Program, a fire safety and injury prevention curriculum for first through fifth graders. He also started two smoke alarm campaigns, one that focuses on mobile homes and another that focuses on the homes of senior citizens.
According to his chief, John Robert Ray, Lt. Jones “has made a conscious commitment to always place the community’s needs above all else. He does this while making strides to prevent the loss of life through prevention initiatives.”
A nomination letter submitted to FireRescue for Lt. Jones stated, “His attitude is so positive that no matter how mundane the task, he finds a way to make it enjoyable for the whole crew.”
Upon receiving his award, Jones recognized his department for its commitment to safety. “I’m proud to work for a department that makes safety a priority,” he said.
Jones then acknowledged the two runners up for the award, Captain Troy Webster of Florence (Ky.) Fire and EMS Department, and Andy Mejia of the Encinitas (Calif.) Fire Department. “I am privileged to be recognized along with some of the leading company officers in the nation,” he said.
Jones also thanked his family, the IAFC and FireRescue magazine.
If you missed it, be sure to check out FireRescue editor-in-chief, Tim Sendelbach’s, interview with Sean Jones.
Cindy Devone-Pacheco is senior editor of FireRescue magazine.
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