I am pleased to announce this year's Firefighter of the Year.
Andrew Dixon was unanimously selected by the selection committee for 2013 Firefighter of the Year Award.
Andrew started his career in Largo in 2002. During his tenure he has volunteered to take over the management and oversight of the Explorer Post. He has attained 2 Associate Degrees, State of Florida Fire Officer 1 certification, and State of Florida Fire Officer 2 certification. He is also a State of Florida certified Fire Instructor 1 and 2.
Firefighter Dixon is an active member of the City of Largo SWAT team. Andrew is an Acting Lieutenant. He is certified to operate the Engine and Truck, and is Squad certified. Firefighter Dixon is also an active member of the Pinellas County Technical Rescue team. He was recently recognized by a father who wrote to the department to describe the impact Andrew has had on his child's life through the Explorer program. The father described a troubled teenager, that Andrew took to the time to regularly meet with, outside of the regularly scheduled Explorer meetings. Firefighter Dixon mentored him to improve not only his grades, but his relationship with his family.
Paramedic Dixon is currently working on a Bachelor's degree and is married with a 1 year old son.
Please join me in congratulating Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Dixon, Firefighter of the Year 2013.
Michael J. Wallace
Fire Chief