Cobleskill Fire Department Honored with 2013 "James W. Wright Public Education Award"

L to R: Bill Johnson addresses Pub Ed Conference attendees as Tim Boel, Daniel Johnson, NYSAFC 1st Vice President John Tighe, Scott Ewing, and Rick Nemier look on.



NYSAFC Pub Ed Committee member Rick Nemier, Chairman Scott Ewing, Cobleskill Firefighter Daniel Johnson, President/Fire Prevention Coordinator Bill Johnson, Chaplain John Copland, NYSAFC Past President Al Varlaro, and Pub Ed Committee Vice Chair Tim Boel.



Cobleskill firefighters perform a demonstration to illustrate how quickly fire can spread in a home.


NYSAFC is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2013 "James W. Wright Public Fire Safety Education Award" – the Cobleskill Fire Department. The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the 40th Annual Public Fire Safety Educators’ Conference on May 4 at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, N.Y.

Chief Richard Cooper nominated the department for the award, which NYSAFC has presented since 1995 in recognition of an individual or department for outstanding effort in delivering fire and life safety public education programs. Cobleskill President/Fire Prevention Coordinator Bill Johnson, Firefighter Daniel Johnson, and Chaplain John Copland accepted the award on behalf of the department. They were present throughout the conference to speak with fellow attendees about the unique aspects of their program. The Pub Ed Conference provides a place for public educators form around the Northeast and Canada to share ideas about fire department pub ed program delivery and funding endeavors.

Under the leadership of William Johnson, Cobleskill revamped its "Fire Prevention Awareness Program" in 2009 and has seen great success in reaching the community. The program parallels NFPA’s annual theme and is targeted toward the entire community, including children and toddlers, college students, adults, seniors, and disabled citizens.  The Cobleskill business community actively supports the program through monetary or material donations to offset funding, as well as feedback. The department hosts a popular "Fire Prevention and Awareness Open House" during annual Fire Prevention Week that includes hands-on activities for citizens, as well as yearlong public outreach efforts throughout the community.

NYSAFC salutes the members of the Cobleskill Fire Department for their dedication and commitment to public fire and life safety education throughout the year.