Fire Safety Educator of the Year

2019 Winner

Dean Smith

Barnard Fire Department

Dean Smith started in the volunteer fire service 30 years ago with the Barnard Fire Department Explorer Post 507 and graduated into the fire department upon turning 18. He was appointed to the Fire Prevention Committee and quickly excelled in this role. As we progressed from “fire prevention” to “fire and life safety education,” Smith continued to build the program and relationships with the Greece Central School District and students.

Smith continued his passion for the fire service and became a full-time firefighter with Ridge Road Fire District. He stayed with Barnard FD as a Life Service Member in order to continue his work with the fire and life safety education program.

In recent years, Smith was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This unfortunate turn of events required him to retire as a career firefighter. However, despite his health issues, he has continued to thrive and excel in his role as Barnard FD’s Fire and Life Safety Educator.

Smith is a master at talking to children in a way they can understand. His voice is always calm and reassuring when talking about a topic that may be frightening to children. He plans activities that are age appropriate, fun and allow for movement instead of just sitting and listening. Smith’s lessons have a huge impact on the students and their lives. He has also been a resource for teachers.

Over his many years in this position, Smith has become a fixture in the community. The children know, love and trust “Fireman Dean”. When he walks down the hallways, he is met with smiles and hellos from the hundreds of students he impacts each year.

ADAPTED FROM NOMINATIONS BY BARNARD FD CHIEF JOHN J. NOLAN, WENDY RANSOM AND EILEEN ANTONIENKO OF LONGRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND MOLLY MEATH AND AMIE ROMANSKY OF ENGLISH VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FASNY invites departments and organizations across the state to honor their best fire safety advocates with a nomination for Fire Safety Educator of the Year. Each year, the FASNY Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee recognizes an educator with dedication to fire prevention and the safety of his or her community.

Past Award Recipients