April 1, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-16)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
MARCH FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
The March Firefighter of the Month is Firefighter-Driver Kent Landsberg, assigned to Mobile Fire-Rescue Department's P.I.E.R Division (Public Information, Education and Relations).
Landsberg has over 25 years of service on this department and has always served the community well. Some years ago he began training to assist the Public Education program that was established years ago. This has been a very important part of our education process and loved by children and adults. Many hours goes into the training of one dog. Landsberg has trained several dogs and volunteered the time to train and "show" them. In addition to Andy, he's trained a bird to give fire safety messages and, together, this program is second to none.
A couple of years ago, Landsberg was transferred to the Training Division to work with Inspector Gary Smith in Public Education. Since then, they have a scope of service and built Public Education even further.
Landsberg's main objective has been to better educate the children and adults of our area to fire safety as well as other safety messages sponsored by MFRD. In the past two years he's brought several original ideas to the table and implemented them. The most recent being a Fire Safety Poster Contest that invites children to work with their parents on a poster and associated slogan. This slogan will be adopted by our dept. for the following year and forwarded to the National Organization for consideration.
Landsberg is aggressive in finding new areas to present his messages. He is also very agreeable to any request even working on weekends to accommodate the agency, business, or non-profit organization that contacts him.
Landsberg along with Inspector Smith both have worked very hard to complete and distribute a resource book for each of our firehouses. This book contains information, flyers, and contact numbers for all kinds of information most asked by citizens when visiting a fire station. They have provided training to all our employees on how to use the book as well as how to give a good fire station tour.
Landsberg is a kind and courteous employee with the desire to serve. He's excellent in Public Education with a genuine concern for our citizens. He's an asset to our department as a whole.
Landsberg was honored at a breakfast on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at the Tiny Diny. The firefighter of the month program is sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club formally known as the Pleasant Valley Optimist Club. A picture of Landsberg and this release can be found on the department's web site.
###
