Hudson Valley Man Named Fire Educator of the Year

An Orange County fire training chief was named the Fire Educator of the Year.

Orange County Fire Training Chief Jim McCann of Salisbury Mills was recognized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) as the recipient of the Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award.

“Jim is a consummate professional and truly deserving of this honor,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “He cares deeply about his work and takes tremendous pride in helping new firefighters. Jim is respected by his peers and has done a wonderful job preparing these men and women who make a commitment to public service. I offer him my sincerest congratulations on receiving this honor.”

The annual award recognizes outstanding effort in fire service instruction in New York State. The award is given in memory of Fred W. Singer, a highly regarded teacher, and champion of fire safety and firefighter training.

“I’m extremely humbled to be honored by NYSAFC,” McCann said. "It takes dedication and commitment to become a firefighter and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to work with and shape these dedicated young firefighters.”

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McCann started working for the Salisbury Mills Fire Department in 1981 and served as chief from 1993 to 1996. He has worked at the Orange County Fire Training Center since 2002 and has served as Manager and Chief of Training for 14 years.

“Chief McCann is an instructor that we are proud to have leading our County Fire Training Center,” said Orange County Legislator Kevin Hines. “He is passionate, diligent and incredibly knowledgeable. Jim believes that with proper training we give our firefighters the best chance of going home after a job.”

McCann will officially be honored in June.