Fire Sergeant Jayden Collier was presented with the Knights of Columbus Patuxent Council’s 2021/2022 Fire Fighter of the Year Award.
Jayden has distinguished himself as a member of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad since May of 2016, joining us as a cadet member.
Jayden’s dedication to be the best EMT, Fire Fighter, leader and mentor of others within the LVRS drives him to seek improvement in every facet of his performance. In five short years he has completed fire/rescue classes, numbering that which is seen in a member of over 10 years. He has completed EMT, Fire Fighter 1/2, specialty rescue classes, ice/swift water rescue to name a few. Best among his attributes, is that he never sits still. If not running calls, he is constantly drilling/training with others with the crews or working on admin tasks for the organization.
2020 and 2021 have been challenging years for our organization. Jayden has stepped up and taken many additional duty shifts throughout the year. As related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these calls have required him and his crew to wear uncomfortable and restricting full personal protective equipment. Even during these times and on these calls, he is always a professional, compassionate leader and provider to those Laurel residents having required assistance.
This past year Jayden also became qualified to function as the officer on our fire suppression units. As the first arriving fire engine at a recent townhouse fire, Jayden lead his crew into a townhouse with dense smoke and heavy fire conditions, where they were able to extinguish the fire quickly, preventing extension to the adjacent townhouses. They attacked the fire until it was declared out. And this is just one of many examples of Jayden’s can-do attitude and leadership.
Sergeant Jayden Collier is professional and skilled and has grown to become a leader, mentor, role model, and a critical resource within LVRS as a member of our team. We are honored to work with an individual with the spirit and dedication to duty that Jayden has. He well deserves the recognition that comes with the Knights of Columbus Award.
