Capital City Fire/Rescue acting Capt. John Adams has been recognized as the top fire safety educator in the state.

Adams was honored as the 2022 Fire Life Safety Educator of the Year Tuesday at the downtown Juneau Station 1, becoming the first person with Juneau’s fire, rescue and emergency medical services department to earn the distinction. The award annually recognizes candidates who “exhibit an extraordinary commitment to educating their community about fire prevention and fire safety during the year,” according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

“I’m very honored to be able to further the message on fire prevention to the City and Borough of Juneau, and I’m humbled to be given this award,” said Adams.

Adams was recognized at a special presentation ceremony by the State Fire Marshal Office surrounded by friends, family and colleagues.

According to Fire Marshal Dan Jager, Adams has a long track record of going above and beyond with his passion for safety education — youths and the community at large —whether it be in a classroom or workplace setting. Additionally, Jager said Adams has been an instrumental part of helping to teach about a wide range of topics from stop drop and roll to basic first aid for Cub Scouts and Brownie Troops.

“It’s a big deal for everyone involved, including the community because it’s a statewide recognition for what John’s been doing for the last several years with us and with the community,” Jager said. “I think a lot of times people treat public education as one of those things that you don’t see really the fruits and labor and in this case I can personally attest that he absolutely has done a great job because I’ve got students from several years back remembering presentations he gave, and that just shows the impression that he made was able to stick with that student in whatever school it was and remember that.

In addition to hearing opening remarks from Jager, Assistant Chief Ed Quinto spoke briefly about the dedication to community that Adams has displayed over the years with the department. Acting State Fire Marshal Lloyd Nakano and Mark Brauneis from state fire training flew in from the Anchorage headquarters to personally present the award. Each said a few words about what the award meant and presented Adams with the honorary plaque.

In addition to recognizing the outstanding efforts made by Adams in educating the public about fire safety, Jager said the achievement also highlights CCFR’s overall purpose of providing people with preventative information.

“Our hope is always to educate the community as best we can on general safety in the hopes that they never have to use it,” Jager said. “That’s really what this is all about, giving the best education for a safe living and hope that people never have to use it.”

• Contact reporter Jonson Kuhn at jonson.kuhn@juneauempire.com.