EUGENE HINSON
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
FIREFIGHTER/EMT/ADMINISTRATIVE MEMBER OF THE QUARTER - 2009

Firefighter II Eugene (Gene) Hinson received the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Firefighter/EMT/Administrative Member of the Quarter in October 2009.

Gene joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company in October 1999 and rapidly completed basic and advanced firefighter, rescue technician, emergency medical technician (EMT), and emergency vehicle driver training courses.  Firefighter Hinson has become a key member of our very active fire company.  He spends an average of at least 30 hours a week at the fire station, including at least two overnight stays each week, and is among the first people called whenever additional staffing is needed.  In 2008, Gene responded on 594 emergency calls, and was on stand-by status at the fire station for an additional 221 incidents.  He has maintained a comparable level of activity in 2009, responding on or standing by for 10.6 percent of the incidents.

Firefighter Hinson is a very proficient firefighter and EMT.  He is highly respected by his peers and company officers.  Gene is very energetic, courageous, and tireless.  He is the first to volunteer to take on a difficult challenge and can be counted on to get it done right.  He enjoys training our junior members in basic firefighting and EMT skills, and in mentoring their development.  In addition to his emergency activities, Gene is the station “handyman.”  He keeps the facilities in good working order and is willing to take on almost any repair project.  Regardless of the task, whether it’s fighting a fire or fixing a broken faucet, Gene is always smiling and has a positive attitude.

Gene is a very dedicated and valuable member of the organization.  Every volunteer fire company needs highly committed and competent members like Gene, and we are very fortunate to have him as one of our members.