2009.10.26
Fincastle Sons of Revolution award two Roanoke County firefighters
Lieutenant Jon Blank, left, and Brian Clingenpeel.
Brian Clingenpeel and Jon Blank were recognized by the Fincastle Resolutions Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for their work with the Roanoke County fire and rescue department.
Clingenpeel, public education specialist, received the Fire Safety Commendation Award. He has created and presented life safety messages for all ages. He has delivered his informative and effective messages to daycare centers, elementary schools, senior centers, and civic groups. As well as using the Fire and Severe Weather Safety Trailer to demonstrate dangers and teach people to protect themselves, he also implements the Roanoke County departments' character academy that teachers youth from 10 to 14 years old about fire and life safety. The kids also learn about the six pillars of character: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship. Overall, his extensive educational efforts have helped to prevent injuries and casualties due to fire and other tragic events.
Paramedic/Firefighter Lieutenant Blank has made outstanding contributions to the Emergency Medical Services by organizing and implementing the department's EMS training over the past several years. He spearheaded Roanoke County's online learning program which teaches new EMS techniques and provides information to members and facilitates meaningful learning interaction between department members. The online training program is essential because it allows the required training to take place while keeping staff stationed to take calls. He created study guides and practice tests to help personnel become certified at the EMS-technician intermediate level by passing state tests.
"The SAR and our Fincastle Resolutions Chapter is honored to recognize and express its grateful appreciation to these two outstanding public servants for their critical work that affects all of us in the Roanoke area," said President Wright.
The SAR was organized in 1889 as a historical, educational, and patriotic organization to perpetuate the ideals of the war for American Independence. It seeks to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, and the values of American citizenship. Its work is carried out through state societies like the Virginia Society, SAR, and local chapters like the Fincastle Resolutions chapter.
Submitted by John from the Sons of the American Revolution
