Las Vegas Fire & Rescue chief David L. Washington recently was honored with the Don H. Barden Achievement Award for Community Service in a ceremony at Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel. The award is presented to individuals who lead by example and really make a difference in the areas of community service, business and education.
Chief Washington, a 32-year veteran of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, was presented with the award by Don Barden, owner of Fitzgeralds, and Mike Darley, vice-president and general manager of Fitzgeralds. As Chief Washington was presented the award, Darley remarked, "On behalf of Fitzgeralds and the city of Las Vegas, I would like to thank you for your service to the community and for your on-going dedication to excellence."
Candidates were nominated by their peers. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of Barden's purchase of Fitzgeralds. Barden is the first African-American to own a casino company in the United States.