(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska – A member of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department was recently recognized as the State of Alaska Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year for her work in fire prevention. Traci Davis of Ketchikan coordinates fire prevention for the department and Fawn Mt. School as well as Saxman's Head Start pre-school program.

This award is presented annually by the Alaska Department of Public Safety / Fire and Life Safety. Davis was presented the award at a ceremony in Fairbanks on the evening of September 24, 2011 recognizing the work she coordinates for the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department. Dave Tyler, Fire Marshall for the State of Alaska, presented Davis with the award as Jodie Hettrick with the Training and Education Bureau looked on.

The State of Alaska received several nominations for Traci Davis that included her work in the fire prevention program over the last five years.  Chief Scott Davis of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department said, "Traci is active throughout the community as a true volunteer, not receiving any compensation, and always bringing a friendly smile to all the fire prevention programs throughout the year on a regular basis." Traci Davis has been active in the fire prevention program in Ketchikan for the past five years and makes arrangements with the schools and sets up volunteers to help with the hundreds of children that have visited the fire station.

According to Chief Scott Davis, the department has seen a huge reduction in both the occurrence of structure fires, adolescent fire curiosity, and actual property loss due to fire. "The department attributes this reduction in a large part to the aggressive fire prevention programs led by Traci Davis," said the Chief. By reducing the occurrence of structure fires, it has significantly reduced the loss of life and property due to fire in all of the Ketchikan Area said Chief Davis.

The fire prevention program, led by Traci Davis, will see another group of school age children on both October 11 and 12 from Saxman Head Start and Fawn Mountain Elementary School. The children will be bussed to the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department's station and into the building using one of the drive-through bays. From there, the children will participate in games, stop-drop-and roll, and receive their fire hat and a photo with Sparky said the Chief.

Chief Davis said, "The department is truly honored to have received this award and is grateful for all of the hard work done by Traci, the auxiliary and members of STVFD."

Source of News: 

South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department

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