Elizabethtown Fire Department names Dan Lockwood firefighter of the year and Mike Satterfield officer of the year

Chief Mark Malone of the Elizabethtown Fire Department told the City Council on March 3 that the department selected Firefighter Dan Lockwood as firefighter of the year and Officer Mike Satterfield as officer of the year.

Malone said Lockwood completed more than 300 hours of training during the year; the state requires 100 hours and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) recommends about 200 hours, Malone said. Malone told the council Lockwood "took the opportunity and the initiative to actually research" the department's only line-of-duty death from the 1970s, located the family and gravesite, and helped clean the gravesite. Malone also credited Lockwood with reorganizing the department's Christmas party.

Malone said Satterfield was instrumental in setting up the training building the city provided near the college, helping ensure safety and training standards were met, organizing the cadre of instructors for live-burn exercises and serving as a liaison with outside trainers. Malone said the department has used the facility to train both city and county personnel.

Council members offered public praise for both recipients and for continued investment in the fire and police departments. A council member emphasized that firefighters respond frequently to medical emergencies, rescues and vehicle accidents in addition to structure fires and commended the council's investments in facilities, equipment and pay.

The awards were presented during the council meeting; recipients stood with the chief and received congratulations from the mayor and council.