Mount Airy fire official wins statewide honor

Eugene Mellin, an assistant fire chief at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, has been awarded the Silver Spring Trophy for fire prevention from the Maryland State Firemen's Association.

The Silver Spring Trophy is the state association's highest individual fire prevention award.

"It's given to the person who does the most fire prevention in their community," Mellin said.

As fire prevention coordinator for Mount Airy in 1995, Mellin started a Little Miss and Mister fire prevention contest for elementary school children, instituted year-round visits to neighborhoods and shopping centers, participated in the Christmas in April project and revived the Miss Mount Airy Fire Prevention queen contest.

He also sought donations for a Sparky fire dog costume, organized a school poster contest and two fire company open houses and led visits and fire prevention programs at day-care centers and the senior center.

Members of Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Company, who sponsor the award, attended a Mount Airy company meeting to present the trophy and a plaque to Mellin.

Pub Date: 7/15/96