Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Fire Training Chief Jim McCann has been recognized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) as a recipient of the Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award.
“Jim is a consummate professional and truly deserving of this honor,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “He cares deeply about his work and takes tremendous pride in helping new firefighters. Jim is respected by his peers and has done a wonderful job preparing these men and women who make a commitment to public service. I offer him my sincerest congratulations on receiving this honor.”
NYSAFC’s Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize association members for outstanding effort in fire service instruction in New York State. The award is given in memory of NYSAFC Past President Fred W. Singer, a highly regarded teacher and champion of fire safety and firefighter training. One of the primary missions of NYSAFC is to provide education for fire chiefs, officers, and firefighters throughout New York state.
“Chief McCann is an instructor that we are proud to have leading our County Fire Training Center,” said Orange County Legislator Kevin Hines, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee and Commissioner with the Cornwall Fire Department. “He is passionate, diligent and incredibly knowledgeable. Jim believes that with proper training we give our firefighters the best chance of going home after a job.”
McCann began his service with the Salisbury Mills Department in 1981 and served as Chief from 1993 to 1996. He has worked at the Orange County Fire Training Center since 2002 and has served as Manager and Chief of Training for 14 years. The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 10,000 members that has served career and volunteer fire chiefs, officers, and emergency services personnel throughout the state of New York since 1904.
“I can’t think of anyone in the State who is more deserving of this award,” said Vini Tankasali, Orange County’s Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services, Division of Fire Services. “Jim’s love for the fire service and dedication to firefighter safety in Orange County is evident in his commitment to firefighter training. We are very fortunate to have Jim leading our training programs and facilities in Orange County.”
McCann will be honored at the 112th Annual NYSAFC Conference & FIRE Expo, which will be held June 13-16 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona.
“I’m extremely humbled to be honored by NYSAFC,” McCann said. “This recognition would not be possible without the hard work of my training staff and the support of the County’s fire departments, as well as County Executive Neuhaus, the County Legislature and the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. It takes dedication and commitment to become a firefighter and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to work with and shape these dedicated young firefighters.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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