• RONALD D. BLACKWELL was appointed chief of the Prince George’s County (MD) Fire/EMS Department. Blackwell began his fire service career in the Wichita (KS) Fire Department, rising to the rank of deputy chief. He joined the Prince George’s department in 1999 where he served as deputy chief and as the management services commander, responsible for supervising the administrative services area.
• MICHAEL JAPEAL, chief of training for the Simsbury (CT) Fire Company, was named Instructor of the Year by the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors’ Association. Japeal was cited for his dedication to training. He is lead instructor for the Hartford County Fire School and lead instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program. He joined the Tariffville (CT) Fire Company in 1974 and rose to the rank of captain and joined Simsbury when the two departments merged.
• ERIC ROTTER of the Tucson (AZ) Fire Department won the eighth annual United Firefighter of the Year Award for his involvement in the Arizona Burn Camp. Rotter has served as a counselor, core committee member, and fundraiser for the camp, which serves children who have survived devastating burn injuries. Rotter will receive $3,000 in prizes, and the Tucson Fire Department will receive a $500 credit toward future purchases with United Fire, a fire service equipment supplier.
