By Michael Gelbwasser, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury Fire Chief James M. Vuona was among several Massachusetts fire professionals honored at the Fire Chiefs” Association of Massachusetts” (FCAM) annual professional development conference held Feb. 6 in Boxborough.
Vuona was honored by the association for his work instilling “a mantra of customer service to each and every firefighter in the department every time they interact with the public,” according to a press release from the association.
“As the former fire prevention officer he built strong programs with the schools, other town offices, and businesses. With strong succession planning he was able to pass those programs to new personnel who have strengthened and improved those community relationships,” the release stated. “His staff says, “The chief takes every opportunity for public education whether it's the traditional S.A.F.E. Program, the Spirit of Shrewsbury Day, fire station tours, working with scouts, the senior center or persuading the housing authority to install heat-limiting stove burners or in-hood extinguishers.””
The Massachusetts Public Fire and Life Safety Education Task Force and the Massachusetts Association of Safety and Fire Educators awards seeks to honor those who not only support fire education, but also communicate a vision and their value of fire education within the entire department and across the entire community.