Shrewsbury Firefighter named Fire and Life Safety Educator of the year

Shrewsbury Firefighter Brendan Palumbo was named as one of the Commonwealth’s top Fire and Life Safety Educators of the year by the Department of Fire Services.

Firefighter Palumbo was distinguished for his work in creating a home fire escape video during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the pandemic, Shrewsbury firefighters were unable to visit schools to teach children about fire safety, but with the help of his daughters and wife, Firefighter Palumbo created a safety video for children in the community. The video was shared via social media and also by local media outlets in the Worcester County area,” explained the local fire agency in a press release.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services presents an annual Massachusetts Fire & Life Safety Education Conference focused on the best ways to educate the public about fire and life safety. This year the event took place September 22 to 23 at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

The video produced by Firefighter Palumbo:

“One of the things I enjoy most about the fire service is getting out there into the community, especially in the schools, teaching young people how to stay safe. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to our usual in-person teaching programs, but thankfully we all have cameras on our phones, and I have some good volunteers in my own family to help me,” Firefighter Palumbo said. “It is an honor to be nominated and named runner-up for Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year, and I pledge to continue to spread the word about safety in our homes, schools, and community.”

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and remote learning, Firefighter Palumbo was able to find an innovative way to connect with young people and share his knowledge of fire safety,” said Shrewsbury Fire Chief Vuona. “I commend him on his efforts and am glad to see him receive recognition for his good work.”