Pictured from left: Steven Moffatt, M.D., Deputy Chief Vern Brown, Chief Louis Dezelan (holding award),
Captain Bonnie Webb, Fitness Coordinator Shawn Shelton, Deputy Chief David Grider

Indianapolis Fire Department Receives
Health Care Heroes Finalist Award

Indianapolis, IN-- On Friday, March 1, 2002 the Indianapolis Fire Department became one of three finalists to receive the prestigious Health Care Heroes Award. The award, provided by the Indianapolis Business Journal, recognizes organizations and individuals who epitomize the spirit embodied in the word "hero". The award recognizes excellence, promotes innovation, and encourages emulation of successful programs to educate the public and contribute to the enhancement of the value and quality of health care.

The Health Care Hero award is broken down into four categories: Corporate Achievement in Health Care, Advancements in Health Care, Physician, and Non-Physician. The Indianapolis Fire Department was nominated in the Advancements in Health Care category which honors a company or individually primarily responsible for the development of a new procedure, device or service that can save lives, or improve the quality of life for a large number people. The Indianapolis Fire Department is nationally recognized for its non-emergency services, including public education, health screening and immunization, code enforcement, arson investigation, victim's assistance, and counseling for child fire starters. They have also been a pioneer in employee wellness and fitness. So successful is this program, that the IFD has been part of a 10-city initiative that is setting fitness standards for fire departments throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Congratulations to Fire Chief Dezelan and the Indianapolis Fire Department for their unending contributions to the health and safety of the community they serve, as well as, their own firefighters.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services