PORT ORANGE, FLA. Jan. 27, 2010—During this morning’s City Manager’s Breakfast at the newly opened Port Orange Police Department, Driver Engineer/Paramedic Garfield Wilson was recognized as Port Orange Fire-Rescue’s 2009 Firefighter of the Year. A Leadership Committee, comprised of Fire Chief Thomas Weber, Division Chief Kenneth Burgman, and Union President Beau Gardner chose DE/PM Wilson based on his tremendous work ethic, consistently positive attitude, and overwhelming compassion when dealing with the public. He began his career with Port Orange Fire-Rescue on January 1, 2007 as a Firefighter/EMT. In just over three years, he completed his paramedic certification, a Bachelor’s Degree in Supervision and Management, and was promoted to Driver/Engineer. While DE/PM Wilson is extremely driven, he is also in the habit of “putting others before himself and never says “no” to anyone who asks for help,” says Fire Chief Thomas G. Weber.
DE/PM Wilson was born in Jamaica, where he spent the first eight years of his life before moving to New York. He came to Florida after his graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School, and continued his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. In 2006, he attended Volusia-Flagler Fire School because he was “attracted to the hierarchy and order of the profession.” He has certainly found his niche at Port Orange Fire-Rescue and fellow firefighters agree that he is not only a terrific driver engineer/paramedic, but a great person overall. In recognition for this achievement, DE/PM Wilson received a self-portrait donated by Volusia Memorial and a three-day Cadillac test drive compliments of Ritchey Autos. Visit http://ritcheyautos.blogspot.com/ to pick your favorite driver and read their blogs.
