THE 2018 JOHN C. SPIKER, SR.
EXCELLENCE IN LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

The “Excellence in Life Safety Educator of the Year Award” is given to an individual or organization that provides significant and innovative contributions in the field of fire and or life safety educational programs.

At the 59th Annual Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference, held on September 25, 2018, it was announced that the name of the Life Safety Educator of the Year Award was renamed in honor of John C. Spiker, Sr., who dedicated fifty-two years of fire service in Anne Arundel County, serving both in a volunteer and career capacity. Mr. Spiker, Sr. was an advocate for fire prevention educational programs.

The Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference Awards Committee unanimously agreed upon the nomination of this year’s awardee.

He has been an outstanding educator in the field of Fire Safety Education for the State of Maryland and Carroll County. His passion and knowledge of fire safety has helped teach numerous children and adults at Open Houses, National Night Out and school events. He is very passionate about smoke alarms and residential sprinkler systems and has spent countless hours educating the public of the importance of these devices.

In addition, he has been an integral part of the fire prevention team at the Gamber & Community Fire Company. After a series of fires in the same neighborhood, the nominee assisted the fire prevention chair with establishing a door-to-door canvasing program, bringing awareness of fire safety and home safety checks after a series of multiple fires in the neighborhood.

He was a Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal and Director of Public Education and Media Affairs for the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. He was responsible for all aspects of fire prevention across the state of Maryland. During his tenure, he implemented the Maryland Youth Firesetters Intervention Coalition, assisted with legislation regarding smoke alarms, created a fire prevention component at the Dover NASCAR Race Track in Delaware in the Fun Zone, and assisted a paid internship for college students within the Fire Marshal’s office in partnership with the Maryland State Fireman’s Association and the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland.

For the past five years he served as the Committee Chair for the Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference; his leadership was extraordinary and informative.
Bruce Bouch is very deserving of this award. He has dedicated a large portion of his life living out his passion of fire and life safety through education, awareness, and numerous outreach events.

The Board of Directors and members of the Gamber & Community Fire Company are proud that Bruce is the recipient of this honor for 2018!