February 1, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-04)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
JANUARY FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department’s Firefighter of the Month for January, Firefighter-Driver Kent Landsberg, 56, has been with the department for over 29 years and has spent over 22 of those years teaching area children about fire safety and fire prevention. Landsberg is the department’s Public Education Officer and has been saving the lives of area children as well as adults with his innovative programs that teach them what to do to prevent a fire and what to do if they have a fire. While it may not be as glorious as running into a burning building and saving someone from a fire but it’s no less important because Landsberg is trying to teach people to prevent the fire in the first place and how to react properly so they aren’t in a situation where they have to be rescued.
Landsberg uses a variety of ways to get his message out to area school children. He has a Dalmatian named Andy and a Cockatoo named Precious that he has used for several years to not only entertain audiences but teach them about fire safety. Recently Landsberg has developed a new program using “Dusty the Smoke Smelling Dragon” and has worked with a professional puppeteer and the company that makes “Dusty” to produce an interactive CD on fire safety that is captivating for children and adults. Landsberg is already working on two new characters involving a turtle and frog that will be used to teach children about water and bike safety.
In recognition of his enthusiasm and dedication to the job and to area children, the Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club who sponsors the monthly event honored Firefighter-Driver Kent Landsberg at a breakfast on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at the Tiny Diny Restaurant.
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