Firefighter earns O’Toole award

Scott Henry teaches residents about safety, fire prevention.

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By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer 8:44 PM Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Centerville Noon Optimist Club recently honored Washington Twp. Fire Department Volunteer Coordinator Scott Henry with the Robert J. O’Toole Award.

O’Toole, a Washington Twp. firefighter, was killed in the line of duty in 1998. The annual award recognizes a local EMT/firefighter who has exemplified contributions made toward the betterment of the Centerville and Washington Twp. community.

Henry, who has been with the department for 11 years, was selected for his hard work and genuine desire to help others, as well as his fire safety programs for Scouts, students and businesses.

“Scott Henry has consistently shown a compassion for helping citizens and families in both Centerville and Washington Twp.,” club President Kelly Eggers said. “He is always eager to answer questions and assist members of the community as well as co-workers. It is an honor to recognize him with the Robert J. O’Toole Award.”

At the Washington Twp. Fire Department, Henry recruits new firefighters, tests them and guides them through the set processes.

He teaches Firefighting Level 1 and has assumed the duties of the fire department’s public education specialist in the community and schools.

In that capacity, Henry conducts fire and safety programs and performs car seat checks.

Henry said firefighting has seemed like a good job ever since he watched “Emergency” on TV as a kid.

“It’s definitely fun and every day is something different,” said Henry, an Oakwood resident who also works as a firefighter in Xenia Twp.

The 39-year-old father of two works with schools and taught eight classrooms of first-graders Monday.

He said the kids provide a different kind of hurdle, and it is fun to hear their questions.

“They are still overly concerned with cats in trees, and always interested in the fire pole,” he said. “We don’t have one in Washington Twp., and they are always disappointed.”

Henry said he was surprised to receive the Optimist award since he works on the prevention side for Washington Twp.

“I’m not the one who gets on the truck and rescues babies from burning buildings,” said Henry, who said he appreciated the honor. “But, if you can prevent the fires, everyone is much happier than when you have to put it out.”

Henry said if anyone has questions about fire safety or is interested in joining the department, they should call (937) 433-3083.

The Centerville Noon Optimist Club has been supporting the firefighters and emergency medical technicians since the club’s founding in 1968.

For information on the  Optimist club, call (937) 221-6720 or visit www.centerville noonoptimist.com.

Scott Henry is this year’s Robert J. O’Toole Award winner for his work in promoting fire safety in the community.

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