VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. —The Virginia Beach Fire Department held its annual award ceremony on Oct. 26, 2022, at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. Members and residents were recognized for their outstanding service to the community and city, including the STIHL sponsored Firefighter of the Year Award presented to Vincent G. Smith III.
“This is a great honor,” said Smith. “I am just happy to have the best job around working for one of the best departments.”
For several years, Smith has overseen meter maintenance and led servicing of all hazmat meters on rescues, ladders, and boats for the department. He spearheaded an effort to obtain new meters for all ladders and rescue companies. Additionally, Smith has worked with two battalion chiefs and two captains to help create the Swiftwater Rescue Team.
"STIHL has sponsored the Virginia Beach Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award for more than five years,” said Chris Keffer, STIHL Inc. vice president of sales and marketing. “Our company is committed to providing world-class professional products that meet the needs of firefighters worldwide. From research and development to design and production, our employees are dedicated to ensuring that you have the right equipment you need for your work.”
Since 1974, STIHL Inc. has been a member of the Hampton Roads community and is proud to support the vital work of local organizations such as the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
“This fire department is critical to the well-being of our community,” said STIHL Inc. Product Manager John Allen. “STIHL will continue to focus on providing the professional tools and solutions needed to support its mission.”
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America,1 the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. landscape professionals,2 and the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL also offers a full line of battery powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the professional and consumer. STIHL products are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast—not big-box stores. Located in Virginia Beach, Va., STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, exports to more than 80 countries around the world, and the majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America.3 STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL Dealer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit STIHLusa.com.
1"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2021 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. 2“Number one selling” claim based on 2007-2021 syndicated Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper market. 3A majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America of U.S. and foreign materials.
STIHL Inc. is pleased to support the work of Independent We Stand, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the National Association of Landscape Professionals, America’s State Parks, the American Green Zone Alliance and the North American Hardware and Paint Association.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
