Fire Safety Commendation Medal - 2009
Captain II William A. Garrett Fire Station 11
Captain William Garrett of Penn Daw Fire Station 11 is a 19-year member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Captain Garrett was selected as the Fairfax County Firefighter of the Year for 2009. The Firefighter of the Year Award is the Department's highest award, recognizing outstanding service and dedication in keeping with the highest traditions of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. This citation documents some of the effort Captain Garrett has performed in planning, training and giving back to his community through community service.
• He led testing & development for various firefighter promotional tests, including "all hazard", Captain I and II, and has participated in other department testing in quality control of tests and as a role player.
• He was involved in planning a new burn building at the Training Academy, and regularly participates in the Department Strategic Planning Process.
• He participated in the 2008 Project Safe Program to present sessions on Fire Safety to Fairfax County schools, and encouraged other firefighters to get involved with the program.
Captain II William Garrett (right) receives the Fire Safety Commendation Medal and certificate from Fairfax Resolves President Jack Sweeney
Captain Garrett participates in the planning, development, and hosting of important community outreach events of our department including:
• Fire Fighters and Friends Annual Toy Drive
• Annual Back-Pack Drive for needy students
• Annual Coat (and Hats and Gloves) Drive
• Longest Ride Campaign to raise money for a rare form of cancer
• Last wish for a long time volunteer who had reached 100 years old to ride in a fire truck
• Reading tutor for minority students
• Career Day Events with Fairfax County Public Schools.
• Mentoring and fire safety presentations for young men in community
• Assistance to Department members with their promotional examination preparation.
• Instruction on the topic of “Managing Your Career”; at the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters seminar
Captain Garrett dealt head-on with one of the greatest social challenges that emergency service personnel face in Fairfax County and throughout the country - the language barrier. Instead of choosing typical career-enhancing educational opportunities in fire science or public administration, Captain Garrett is pursuing a degree in Spanish at George Mason University, and has spent time in Mexico in a Spanish immersion program to better understand the Latin American culture and the needs of Latino immigrants.
Captain Garrett takes consistent action on his social concerns to improve the quality of public service provided by the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. As a Station Commander, he has ensured that the Vision Statement "Dedicated to being the best community-focused fire and rescue department ensuring a safe and secure environment for all" is carried out by the women and men assigned to Station 11, leading by example with community outreach efforts.
It is with great pride that the Fairfax Resolves Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presents Captain William Garrett with the Fire Safety Medal. His leadership and giving to the community was paramount to his receiving this honor.