March 9, 2016- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has selected Sherrie Leeka, public education officer for the Westminster Fire Department, Westminster, Colo., the 2016 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year. Leeka will be recognized at NFPA’s Conference & Expo, the premier event in fire and life safety, this June in Las Vegas.
The Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year award, presented annually, recognizes an educator who works for a local fire department or fire marshal’s office in the U.S. or Canada, uses NFPA's materials in consistent and creative ways, demonstrates excellence and innovation in reaching out to the community, and views NFPA as the leading source for fire safety information.
Known for her passion and enthusiasm for public education, Leeka has developed the Citizen Fire Academy, covering the topics of fire prevention, hazardous materials in the home, water and ice safety, and fitness and wellness. She has coordinated “Fire Factor” - a program designed to prevent firesetting among 6th-8th graders - instituted a home safety educational program for older adults, and for the Halloween carnival, created a “haunted” safety tent, where she gets dressed up in part costume, part fire gear to present safety information.
One of Leeka’s talents is working with children. When visiting schools, she tailors her programs, lessons and contests to suit the grade level she is speaking to, allowing students to easily grasp the concepts of fire and life safety. Leeka’s lessons are filled with valuable information and are engaging for students because she uses various models and teaching techniques to ensure her programs are compelling.
Leeka regularly attends NFPA Conference & Expo as a regional representative of the Fire and Life Safety Educators of Colorado (FLSEC). Her participation underscores her commitment to continually expanding her knowledge so that she can better share fire and life safety education with others.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
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Contact: Lorraine Carli, Public Affairs Office: +1 617 984-7275