To become Employee of the Month in the North Charleston Fire Department, one must be nominated by a superior for exemplary work, selfless actions that directly benefit a resident’s life or the safekeeping of a business, or undertaking additional self-motivated activities to aid in the improvement of the fire department.
The following is Captain Richard Porzia and Captain Bryan Delaney’s nomination submission for Firefighter Trey Thomas:
We recommend Firefighter Russell “Trey” B Thomas III as Employee-of-the-month for continuing to exhibit the qualities as defined in the City of North Charleston’s Fire Departments Value Statements.
Trey has been a primary factor in all aspects regarding Fireboat 202 since old boat 202 was found to have issues that were not conducive to safe operation. Trey secured the donation of the vessel with a motor (which totals approx. $70,000.00), arranged for the proper trailer to be purchased, found a prop (which was backordered nationwide), properly performed the manufacturers break in period, arranged for the 25 hours break in maintenance at the dealer and trained the other shifts in the vessels operation.
Though it seems as if this new vessel is just a replacement of an old boat, it is a technological advancement due to advanced electronics, which makes it safer for missions at night. It has proved itself as a reliable platform for dive missions, and a streamlined hull with a powerful, yet ecological engine which provides quick response to mariners in need. Even though speed is a factor to successfully conduct marine rescues, Safety is always the most important factor! This vessel delivers both.
With his work and dedication of the procurement, outfitting and training of Fireboat 202, I believe it is appropriate to recognize Trey as North Charleston Fire Department Employee-of-the-Month.
