Reed Named Firefighter Of The Year For Second Time

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

For the second time, the Dalton Fire Department is honoring Engineer Dale Reed as the agency's Firefighter of the Year for 2024. The award was decided by a vote of Reed's fellow firefighters. Reed also earned the honor in 2019. The award was presented during the monthly meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission. 

Caption: Fire Chief Matt Daniel (left) congratulates Engineer Dale Reed (right) during the Public Safety Commission meeting Tuesday

Reed has served with the Dalton Fire Department since the summer of 2011 and earned his promotion to the rank of engineer in 2017. He has graduated from both the prestigious Georgia Smoke Divers program as well as the FLAMES (Firefighters Laboring and Mastering Essential Skills) program. He also holds numerous training certifications and has served as an instructor for training both for the Dalton Fire Department as well as teaching firefighting tactics for fire departments in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Tennessee, and across Georgia. He also leads the physical fitness program for the Dalton Fire Department's recruit school, arriving early every day during the 14 week class to prepare for the day's training. 

"That requires a level of commitment and understanding of team dynamics that speaks volumes about his loyalty to our department," Chief Matt Daniel said Tuesday morning during his presentation to the Public Safety Commission. "Engineer Reed sets the example for others to follow." 

In his letter nominating Reed for the award, Battalion Chief Brandon Bray noted that Reed is a leader for his truck company. 

"He is the only firefighter that I led ride 'in charge' of a truck company," Bray wrote. "I trust his decision making and leadership skills. He has proven himself competent on many occasions during a fire incident." 

"He sets a high standard and has the ability to lead through positive reinforced relationships," Bray continued. 

"Congratulations on this honor," said Truman Whitfield, the chairman of the PSC. "What you do every day doesn't go unrecognized by us and I'm sure the members of the community. We appreciate your hard work and what you've done to bring along other members of the department."