Maryland Fire/Rescue Departments Get Seat Belt Honor

Seat Belt Pledge Form (PDF format) Seat Belt Pledge Form (DOC format)

EMMITSBURG, Md. -- The latest recipients of certificates for participation in the National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge didn't have far to travel.

Volunteer and career firefighters and rescue personnel from Frederick County were lauded for their efforts Wednesday morning in front of the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial.

"It was an honor to recognize our emergency responders," said Dr. Burt Clark, who has spear-headed the seat belt initiative.

Clark praised the local crews for setting an example for fire and rescue companies across the nation.

"This was the first time the certificates were awarded in front of the memorial on the campus. Since we were honoring our local people, I thought it would be fitting," he said.

Fire and rescue personnel attending the Executive Fire Officer program looked on as the local crews accepted the certificates.

The flags at the memorial were at full staff. They are lowered when the USFA receives word that a firefighter has fallen while on duty.

National Fire Academy Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal also congratulated the group saying their participation speaks volumes.

Last year, 27 firefighters were killed in vehicle crashes. In the 19 instances in which seat belt status was known, 11 were not buckled up, according to the USFA's annual report.

Clark started the pledge in honor of Firefighter Christopher Hunton, 27, who was killed of injuries sustained in a fall from his fire truck in Texas.

He said he was impressed by the commitment of Frederick County personnel to keep themselves and others safe while responding or returning from a call.

Frederick County Director of Emergency Services Gene Mellin said he was confident that crews signed the pledge believing it was the right thing to do. "This is not just ink on paper. . ."

Chuck Handley, chief of the Independent Hose Co. in Frederick, said he met no resistance when he approached people about signing the pledge. "They agreed buckling up makes sense. Most already did," he said.

As he handed out turnout gear to members, the pledge was there for them to sign.

Lt. George Thomas IV also was a catalyst in Frederick County. When he assumed a new role in the safety division earlier this year, he started doing a bit of research.

"I saw all these departments had signed the National Seat Belt Pledge. Frederick County wasn't there. I wondered why."

Rather than sit and stew, Thomas walked into Mellin's office. "He told me to get on it and make it happen ..."

Thomas added that the safety initiative needed to be embraced across the board by both career and volunteer personnel.

He enlisted the assistance of Luke Hodgson, manager of volunteer fire and rescue services, who promoted the issue to the volunteers.

In addition to the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, departments recognized Wednesday were Independent Hose Co., Junior Fire Co., Brunswick Vol. Ambulance and Rescue, Vigilant Hose Co., Walkersville Vol. Fire Co., Brunswick Vol. Fire Co., Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Co., Woodsboro Vol. Fire Co., Jefferson Vol. Fire Co., Wolfsville Vol. Fire Co. and Urbana Vol. Fire and Rescue Co.

Other companies are still getting members to sign the pledge. Thomas said it's important to change the fire service mode from reactive to pro-active. "It's not easy. But this is a first step..."

Related Links

National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge Web Site

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