| Deputy Chief Mark Flook was honored with the Millard M. “Mick” Mastrino Award on Monday, April 20, at the Frederick County Association Awards.
This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the belief that training and education are the foundation of success in the fire and rescue service. Through mentoring, counseling, and instruction, Deputy Chief Flook helps members perform more efficiently, effectively, and safely, while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the job.
Deputy Chief Flook has played a significant role in shaping Company 20’s operations into what they are today. A true role model, this recognition is well deserved.
On behalf of Company 20, congratulations, Deputy Chief Flook!
Be sure to check out his nomination letter below-
This individual has served as the chief officer of Jefferson since 2022. One of the roles that he took on after becoming deputy chief was training. Over the years we have struggled with consistent training programs. He has worked with cadets and new members to familiarize them with equipment. Assisting these individuals with class assignments, provides valuable assistance through their educational process. Just to name a few training sessions for individuals or small groups training examples are going over SCBA, equipment cost, and expectations. He has also been a valuable asset to the cadet program assisting when asked or needed. Over the course of the last several years of taking over training, has brought regular training nights to the department. One of the first drills was on SCBA and introduction to the fire service. He collaborated with the Springview Fire Department HazMat team for members to become familiar and better prepared if a hazmat incident occurs. Worked with DFRS to have them come to the station for a doll house fire growth drill. During the doll house drill members were able to see how fire growth developed. Members were able to use the new thermal imaging equipment,and learn what are the strengths and weaknesses of these devices.
Continuously works with local junk yards to acquire cars for extrication drills. During these extrication drills members are educated on new and old equipment, different techniques on stabilization, battery operated cars, passenger compartment airbags and their placement inside of vehicles. The operations of the tools. The placement of extrication tools to enhance our skills and techniques. As a direct result of these drills our members have become more proficient as a whole. Providing better service of care to the community we serve. These extrication drills provide opportunity for our new and older members to familiarize themself on the equipment, building confidence in our own skills and with each other.
Over the last 3 years he has prepared ladder drills, hose drills, firefighter down, self extrication, chimney fires and search and rescue. Working with the local Ruritain he secured an auxiliary building to hold a search and rescue drill. With the use of a smoke machine members worked on finding a victim in a smoke filled environment. How to communicate with your fellow firefighters to move and remove the victim from a low visibility environment. Also advancing hoselines for better placement to provide greater self protection. Also allowing training time to train newer engine drivers in a secure environment.
The last three years he has secured new rope rescue equipment for our squad. He’s held several drills educating personnel on how to work with the rope rescue equipment, ladder drills, and forcible entry, bail out prop. Working on skills that are used infrequently, but are extremely essential and critical skills when needed.
He reached out to Loudon County Virginia Fire department providing an opportunity to attend a drill at Loudon’s flashover simulator. Enhancing the knowledge base of new firefighters on the importance of the recognition of flashovers.
He is approachable when you have questions or need assistance with a task. He encourages younger members by giving them responsibilities and a willingness to take the time to educate them after calls if they have a question. He is willing to help educate anyone to grow into a better service provider.
He is knowledgeable in all aspects of the fire service. Dedicated to the position of a chief officer and training to the membership to ensure that our members are educated in multiple aspects of the fire service. He has worked well with the cadets members giving them tasks, so they learn equipment inventory and responsibilities within the department and the fire service.
Mark Flook has been a long term standing member of Middletown Volunteer Fire Company. He is also a member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company for the last 6 year
It is with great pleasure the membership of Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company nominates Mark Flook for instructor of the year. |
