2008 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year

Congratulations to Lt. Trish Dunkelmann from the City of Delray Beach Fire Rescue for being selected as this year's Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.

Most of the time, it's difficult to measure the success of fire safety educational programs, but last October after a presentation at an elementary school, it was learned that a life was saved because of the presentation.  Delray Beach firefighters responded to a house fire where two brothers lived who had participated in a fire safety presentation.  When the home erupted in fire, the children knew just exactly what to do.  They met at their "Safe Meeting Place" and waited for firefighters to extinguish the flames.  As the firefighters removed their masks, the children recognized on of the firefighters who helped with the presentation.  They ran over and have a huge him a huge hug and told him they did just what they had learned.  For once, Lt. Dunkelmann could see the impact of her efforts. 

She is actively involved in the community with a variety of programs, but some of the more outstanding ones are:

• Carbon Monoxide Give Away Program with Home Depot.  Lt. Dunkelmann made arrangements for Home Depot to give away a carbon monoxide alarm with each generator purchased during tax break week.
• Quarterly wellness events at open houses. This is an innovative approach that draws residents into the fire station by providing potentially lifesaving information, health screenings, and of course food.  She packs the house with more than 1,100 visitors!
• Twice a year, "Red, White & Blue" bracelets are given to children who return their fire safety homework to their teachers.  Teachers are given a lesson plan and homework assignment which includes changing their smoke alarm battery, discussing their safety plan and returning it signed by their parent.  The child earns the bracelet!
• As CPR/AED coordinator, Dunkelmann, along with her department, was recognized in April, 2008 by the International Association of Fire Chief's EMS Section for their commitment and organization of Delray Beach Fire-Rescue's CPR Program.  This award was presented in Las Vegas on April 22, 2008.  Physio Control, makers of the Medtronic AED, will be writing a "White Paper" report on the program as a "Best Practice" model for others to follow which will be posted on their website.

Lt. Dunkelmann was recognized as the 2007 Fire Fighter of the Year for Delray Beach Fire-Rescue and continues excel.  Her Chief, David C. James, says, "She is constantly surprising me with her ability to do so much with so little.  As the only educator in our department, she has developed programs that take full advantage of her limits, but her programs continue to maximize her reach."

Congratulations, Lt. Trish Dunkelmann for a banner year and an outstanding career!