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NVFC Bestows 2009 Fire Prevention Award to Edward Sawicki
 Edward Sawicki (left), receives the 2009 Fire Prevention Award from Joe Guyotte, Chair of the NVFC Membership and Awards Committee. |
“I’d like to say what an honor it is to accept this award, and how humbling it is,” Sawicki said. “I’ve not done this alone,” he continued, crediting the influence and support of his wife, Sherry, his grandfather, and his fire company and leadership. He went on to note that with fire prevention it’s what doesn’t happen that is the sign of success: “If we do our job right, we’ll never see the outcome.”
Sawicki has a long and accomplished history in the field of fire prevention. He became Chair of the Christiana (DE) Fire Company’s Fire Prevention Committee fourteen years ago and transformed the conventional fire prevention program into an award-winning mission that has reached over 100,000 people during his tenure.
In his first year as Chair of the Fire Prevention Committee, Sawicki was given a budget of $1,500 and was able to reach 500 people. Now, he manages a volunteer staff of 14 people, has an annual budget of $19,000, and reached over 9,000 people last year. Under Sawicki’s leadership, the Committee has developed the motto “Christiana Fire Prevention Program: Educating the Public So Others May Live.”
Each year, the Fire Prevention Committee holds two open houses, 40-50 fire prevention programs, and countless tours of the firehouse. In addition, for the past seven years the Committee has provided a “Bear Run” to the local children’s hospital on September 11 in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks. They take teddy bears, fire prevention materials, and helmets to children at the hospital. Sawicki coordinates with other fire companies to ensure the event’s success.
Sawicki has received numerous awards for his efforts. Each year from 2003 to 2007, he received 1st place in the Edward C. McCormick Award from the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission for the best fire prevention program in the state. He was awarded 3rd place in that competition in 2000 and 2008. He also received the Delaware Children’s Fire Safety Foundation Award for Fire Prevention Educator of the Year in 2000 and 2002.
In addition to his work in fire prevention, Sawicki has been a volunteer firefighter for 22 years and is also a career firefighter. He has been married to his wife, Sherry, for 18 years and says she gave him the confidence to realize that he could turn the fire prevention program into a success. The Sawickis have numerous nieces and nephews who live both near and far but all love hearing about their Uncle Eddie’s experiences in firefighting.
Sponsored by First Alert, the NVFC Fire Prevention Award annually honors an individual whose outstanding achievements in the fire service and community exemplify the philosophy of fire prevention. The NVFC established the Fire Prevention Award in the memory of volunteer firefighter Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate volunteerism to its highest level. The award is presented each spring in conjunction with the NVFC Spring Board Meeting. For more information on this or other NVFC awards, visit www.nvfc.org/page/634/Awards.htm, or call 1-888-ASK-NVFC (275-6832). To learn more about First Alert, visit www.firstalert.com.
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