Hayward F. D. Winner Of NFPA Competition
The Hayward, Calif., Fire Department was named the first recipient of the Grand Award in the Learn Not to Burn Competition sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
Submitted by Fire Chief Matthew Jimenez, now retired, Hayward’s award-winning entry documents an intensive campaign that drastically reduced the number of fires caused by children playing with matches and fireworks.
The Grand Prize earned by the Hayward Fire Department consists of a cash prize of $2000 to further the department’s fire prevention efforts; an expense-paid trip to the 1978 NFPA annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif.; and a plaque to be awarded at the annual meeting. Chief Julian D. Burke now heads the department.
Since its inauguration in late 1976, the Learn Not to Burn Competition has drawn 414 entries from the United States, Canada, Belgium and Puerto Rico, and has awarded $12,500 in quarterly prizes to 75 entrants.
Competing for the Grand Award were the 10 top winners—two each quarter—since the competition began. In addition to Hayward these are: the Upper Arlington, Ohio, Fire Division; the University of Calgary Safety Office and Residence Complex, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; the Aluminum Company of America, Warrick, Ind., Operations; the Prince Georges County, Md., Fire Department; George C. Schnitzer, Jr., director of public information, Tennessee Department of Insurance, Nashville; the U.S. Naval Station Fire Department in Keflavik, Iceland; the Fort George G. Meade, Md., Fire Department; the Montgomery, Ala., Citizens Fire Safety Association; and the Greater Watertown, N.Y., Chamber of Commerce through its fire prevention committee.
