July 25, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-49)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
JULY FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
Several years ago Mobile Fire-Rescue Department with the aid of a Federal grant, purchased new Zoll heart monitors and defibrillators to replace aging equipment that was in use at the time. Recently the department was required to purchase equipment necessary to perform maintenance on those monitors and defibrillators. Firefighter-Equipment Technician Dwight Smith, 37, received a list of what equipment was needed along with a price list from the manufacturer. Smith, a very cost conscientious employee with over 8 years with the department, decided to compare prices using the internet and was able to save the department almost $2 thousand by doing so.
His dedication does not stop there however; Smith has attended classes in Mobile and Dothan, Ala as well as Boston, Mass for extensive training all which made him capable of performing technical repairs and maintenance to all the equipment the department uses.
Smith also maintains the inventory, inspection, ordering and replacing of damages and parts. Most departments have to send off their equipment or have a technician flown in to make repairs which all takes time, money and effort. Because Smith is able to do those repairs himself he has saved the department and city over $40 thousand per year in preventative maintenance and repairs of that equipment.
In addition Smith holds various certifications that allow him to perform fitness test, repairs and preventative maintenance and upgrades on al the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which are the mask and air tanks firefighters use to work in smoke and other hazardous conditions, which also saves the department and city tens of thousands of dollars every year.
Because of his commitment to the city and department, Smith received the Firefighter of the Month award on Wednesday, July 25. The Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club sponsors the program.
###
