October Winner

Assistant Chief Doug Swartz

Clearwater Fire & Rescue
Clearwater, FL

Asst. Chief Doug Swartz has worked at Clearwater Fire & Rescue for nine years. He has grown through the ranks, holding the positions of driver operator, fire medic, lieutenant, and, currently, asst. chief of health and safety.

Asst. Chief Swartz heads the department's OSH Committee, Peer Fitness Team, and he just recently started the Accident Review Committee. He also leads the annual Safety Stand-down program. In 2010, he presented the Safety Week Wellness & Fitness program to all three shifts — three presentations for three consecutive days. Content included a brief workout, instructional demos and lecture presentations on nutrition, body mechanics and injury prevention.

Asst. Chief Swartz sends out safety bulletins to the department staff, and these bulletins provide valuable safety messages regarding equipment usage, wearing seat belts, PPE and exposure prevention. He tracks, monitors and follows up on department accident and injuries. Additionally, he developed/revised several policies and procedures, including the new infection control plan.

Asst. Chief Swartz also started the department's volunteer Honor Guard program, which not only represents and supports the honor of the fire service but promotes the importance of going home safely. The Honor Guard participates in local, state and nationwide events, including the National Fallen Firefighter Ceremony where Chief Swartz is intricately involved in the Command Staff and Overall Planning Committee.