The most recent recipient of Hale’s Safe Firefighter of the Month Award is Zach Cottrell of Bucksport Fire Station, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.He has served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the fire station since March 2009.
“Zach has shown great ambition in all areas of health and safety. He drives the whole crew to eat better and improve their fitness routines,” said Lieutenant Darin Helkowski, who nominated Cottrell for Safe Firefighter of the Month. “He also takes time to research and learn about new, safer approaches to emergent calls.”
Cottrell has made safety at the fire station a top priority by paying attention to the basics. He closely follows station protocol and is conscientious that appropriate equipment and safety belts are always worn. In the future, Cottrell plans to do more work within the community such as training classes for in-home safety and bunker drills with area students.
When asked what piece of advice Cottrell would impart to fellow firefighters, he said, “Be aware of your surroundings. It’s a dangerous job by nature, but don’t forget the little things. The basics make a big difference.”
To nominate someone for Hale’s Safe Firefighter of the Month Award, visit www.safe-firefighter.com. Each month, a top candidate will be chosen from the submissions made by firehouses across the United States, and the winners and nominees will have their photos and profiles displayed on the website.
Hale, based in Conshohocken, Pennyslvania, is a fire and rescue equipment company founded in 1914 by three Pennsylvania firefighters who believed they could build a better fire pump. Today, the company has grown through new product innovation and strategic acquisitions to supply pump modules, compressed air foam systems, electronic controls and valves. For more information, visit www.haleproducts.com.