NVFC Membership and Awards Committee Chair Joe Guyotte (left) presents Earl Cunningham, Jr. with the NVFC Fire Prevention Award.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and First Alert presented Earl Cunningham, Jr. with the Fire Prevention Award in recognition of his efforts and leadership in spreading the messages of fire prevention in his community. A dedicated proponent of fire prevention for 35 years, Cunningham’s service exemplifies the spirit of the Fire Prevention Award.

 

The award was presented during a ceremony at the NVFC Spring Board Meeting on April 30 in Alexandria, VA. “I’d like to thank the NVFC, First Alert, my wife for supporting me, my mom for believing in me, and everyone in the fire service for the great work you do,” Cunningham said as he accepted the award.

 

Cunningham joined the Plymouth (PA) Fire Company No. 1 as a volunteer firefighter in 1975. He led his first fire prevention class that same year. Since then, he has received national and local accolades for his work in fire prevention education and reached countless individuals at day care centers, senior citizen homes, churches, campgrounds, and his own workplace.

 

“Earl Cunningham, Jr. has a true passion for fire prevention and making sure his community members receive the information and education to keep them safe,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “He took on this critical component of the fire service in his first year as a volunteer firefighter and hasn’t ceased in his efforts since. He is truly deserving of this recognition.”

 

In his first full year with the Plymouth Fire Company, Cunningham chaired a committee planning Fire Prevention Week activities in Plymouth. Under his leadership, the activities were held in front of a local senior citizen’s home and near several apartment complexes, reaching more people than ever before. The event included a fire apparatus display, fire prevention information, and demonstrations of testing smoke alarms and “stop, drop, and roll.”

 

 

Cunningham has been recognized for his work by his county firefighters association, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the Plymouth City Council. He was a semi-finalist for the local newspaper’s outstanding community service award.

 

Cunningham currently serves his department as an engineer and Captain. He has previously been a safety officer, foreman, and Assistant Fire Chief. He was one of the first in his department to be certified as Advanced Firefighter in the early 1980s. He has received over sixty certifications from state and local fire schools and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, among other groups.

 

The NVFC Fire Prevention Award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer program to its highest level. He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility, and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide. The NVFC and First Alert present the award as a tribute to outstanding volunteerism and community service performed through the fire service.

 

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