News

Kenneth Pagels Receives NVFC Fire Prevention Award

Published Date: 04.14.2011

Kenneth Pagels of Akron, NY, received the National Volunteer Fire Council’s 2011 Fire Prevention Award, sponsored by First Alert. The award was presented during a special ceremony at the NVFC’s spring meeting in Alexandria, VA, on April 5. Pagels was recognized for his lifelong commitment and exemplary work in the area of fire prevention.

“This is really quite an honor,” Pagels said during the award ceremony. “I want to thank everyone who has helped me – I haven’t done this alone.” He went on to dedicate the award to a firefighter in his department who died last year.

In addition to the NVFC award, David Jacobowitz, NVFC Director from NY, presented Pagels with a proclamation from the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York congratulating Pagels on his achievements.

Pagels has been an active firefighter at the Akron Volunteer Fire Company for 40 years. His lifelong commitment to fire safety, prevention, and awareness has made him a true leader in fire prevention.
 
Pagels began teaching fire prevention in his first year with the department. The program initially included puppet shows for young children and fire truck and equipment demonstrations for older children. Pagels has expanded the program into an innovative and multi-faceted campaign, and he spends his own vacation every year teaching fire prevention in the schools.
 
In the early 1990s, Pagels worked with a local trade school to build a fire prevention and safety trailer that consists of two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. This ‘fire safety house’ is used to teach kids how to test doors for heat, how stay low and get out of a home when there is fire or smoke, and cooking safety.
 
Pagels’ fire prevention program also includes teaching local grade school and nursery-age children how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency and what a firefighter looks like in full gear so they won’t be scared. He works with local organizations to make sure all kindergarten children get a free smoke detector for their house.
 
His work has inspired numerous individuals to volunteer at the department as a firefighter or EMT. There has not been a fire fatality in his district since he began the fire prevention program.
 
In addition to the fire service, Pagels spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Park Ranger for 38 years. He also serves as a Fire Warden, Explorer Post leader, and has assisted with first aid courses. He and his wife, Collette, have two children and two grandchildren.
 
The NVFC Fire Prevention Award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer program to its highest level. He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility, and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide. The NVFC and First Alert present the award as a tribute to outstanding volunteerism and community service performed through the fire service.

Media

Search