New Award in 2011 for Training Officers

VCOS has teamed up with TargetSafety to recognize and reward training officers who go above and beyond the call of duty. The winner of the Training Officer Recognition Award will receive free registration to Fire-Rescue International (FRI), roundtrip airfare to the event and a three-night stay at one of the conference hotels.  All nominees must be IAFC members, but do not have to be VCOS members. 

The award program, open to fire chiefs, training officers and others whose focus is on fire service education, recognizes those who make a difference in their community by exhibiting extraordinary commitment and dedication to the professional development of their department by enhancing their skills and service to their community.  The nominee with the highest overall qualifications, as judged by the award committee, will receive the honor.

2011 Winner – Fire Chief Sheri Bemis

The first winner of the Training Officer Recognition Award is Fire Chief Sheri R. Bemis, CFO, of Oxford (MA) Fire-EM. The award was presented on August 25, 2011 at the VCOS annual meeting at Fire-Rescue International by Mr. Jon Kostyzak, TargetSafety’s Director of Sales. 

Jon Kostyzak of Target Safety presents the award to Fire Chief Sheri Bemis at Fire-Rescue International

Chief Bemis’ letter of thanks lists many of the reasons this award provides benefits on multiple levels. One of these is that it draws attention and brings respect to those in the fire service community who achieve distinction in providing education and professional development to their staff, thus setting an example for others. In addition, the prize allowing the recipient to attend Fire-Rescue International free of charge enhances the knowledge and professional development of the winner, benefitting the winner’s fire department and community.  (photo by Chuck Fazio Media)