Fire Safety Educator of the Year

2025 Winner

Maryann Laspada

Chatham Fire Department

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For more than two decades, firefighter Maryann Laspada has been a cornerstone of fire safety education in Chatham, N.Y. Her work goes beyond presentations — she creates meaningful, lasting experiences that teach students not just about fire safety, but also about responsibility, teamwork, and the value of community service.

Each fall Laspada leads a district-wide program that unites many local fire companies for a large-scale, interactive presentation for elementary students — complete with fire trucks, demonstrations, and real-life scenarios. She also coordinates firehouse visits where students learn how firefighters respond to emergencies, what equipment is used, and how different roles like traffic control and interior attack work together.

Her lessons are practical and empowering. She teaches students how to create family escape plans, identify safe meeting spots, and alert firefighters to pets left inside. Her programs often spark an interest in volunteer service, and she actively encourages students to consider becoming Junior firefighters.

As one of Laspada’s strong supporters wrote, “She demonstrates unwavering dedication, fosters collaboration, and is a shining example of what a leader and mentor should be.”

Laspada’s work has touched countless lives and continues to build a more informed, safety-minded community — one student, one classroom, and one firehouse at a time.

Past Award Recipients