The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) is proud to announce that Fire Protection Specialist (FPS) Edward Fletcher received the Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award at the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs’ 113th Annual Conference & FIRE 2020 Expo General Session in Syracuse, NY. FPS Fletcher is the first ever full-time member of OFPC to receive this award.
New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy said, “On behalf of New York’s entire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, I commend Edward Fletcher not only for his hard work and dedication, but for his commitment to ensuring New York’s next generation of firefighters have the training they need to keep their communities safe. Handling and interacting hazardous materials in emergency situations is one of the most dangerous responsibilities facing firefighters and, because of FPS Fletcher and countless others, New Yorkers can rest easy knowing that their first responders are prepared for any situation.”
The award, which recognizes outstanding effort in fire service training, is presented annually by the Association in memory of Fred W. Singer, a 40-year fire service veteran and former Association President who was a highly regarded teacher and champion of fire safety and firefighter training in New York. Any Association Member who is a fire service instructor providing training within the state of New York is eligible for the award.
OFPC staff nominated FPS Fletcher to receive the award based on his steadfast dedication to New York’s fire service and extensive knowledge of firefighting skills. Fletcher is assigned to OFPC’s Special Operations Branch and stationed at New York State’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls where he plans for and responds to hazardous materials and transportation emergencies. He is a Hazardous Materials Instructor and an integral part of the OFPC Cargo Truck and Flammable Liquid Live Fire training series. In addition, Fletcher is responsible for concept design and most of the installation of the High Hazard Flammable Train and tank truck props, as well as many other training activities at the State Fire Academy.
New York State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney said, “My congratulations to Fire Protection Specialist Fletcher on this honorable achievement and for being the first member representing the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to receive the Singer award. I am proud of the great work that FPS Fletcher and his colleagues at OFPC continue to do, and I thank them for their exemplary service.”
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control strives to be the leader in fire services, delivering the highest quality most comprehensive training, response and technical assistance programs to emergency responders, local entities and the citizens of the State of New York. OFPC programs have created the best trained most effective professional emergency response force in the nation, the safest colleges and universities, and the lowest rate of arson fires per capita in the United States.
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Division's Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter and Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
