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Presentation of the Farmers Branch Fire Department’s 2019 Fire & Life Safety Excellence Award
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BACKGROUND:
In February 2014, the Farmers Branch Fire and Life Safety Excellence Award was created to recognize a Farmers Branch building engineer or director of operations who exemplifies the highest commitment to the protection of life and property by ensuring a safe work environment for citizens and emergency responders.
The building engineer or director of operations is often the key liaison to the fire department in the event of building evacuations, annual fire prevention inspections, medical emergencies, and more importantly, during building construction and remodel projects.
An award nomination committee was selected, comprised of chief officers, to review an engineer’s or director of operations past performance. Nominees for this award were submitted to the awards nomination committee. Each nomination was well deserving of this award, as they exemplified the skills and outstanding collaborative cohesiveness with city officials and fire prevention personnel.
The Farmers Branch Fire Department is very proud to announce Mr. Freddie Arthur as the recipient for the 2019 “Fire and Life Safety Excellence Award”.
Freddie Arthur is the Chief Engineer for Centura Tower, located at 14185 Dallas Pkwy. Freddie has been in the industry and with Centura Tower for 20 years. Freddie currently spends most of his time maintaining a 15-story high-rise office building and 11 story garage within the City of Farmers Branch. Freddie is also very involved with the budget for the property and considers ways to cut costs and still maintain superior service for the tenants.
Freddie’s knowledge of Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning systems is a bonus for not only the building but also the tenants. Recently a tenant at an adjacent building was having problems with their air conditioning. The tenant had a maintenance contract with a company that wanted to replace the entire unit. The company informed the tenant the unit could not be repaired. Freddie reviewed the report, and noticed that some things were not correct in the report. Freddie was able to get the unit repaired while saving the tenant and the building owner considerable amount of money.
Freddie has promoted life safety for all floor fire and life safety wardens on all floors to help assist in the evacuation process in the event of an alarm. He stays in constant communication with the City of Farmers Branch Fire Department. Freddie designs safety policies and ensures compliance with fire, severe weather, and lockdown drills. Every quarter, Freddie hand delivers his quarterly report in a timely manner to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Just recently, a fire broke out in the trash compactor, located in the parking garage by the loading dock. After calling 911, Freddie began fighting the fire using 6 extinguishers until the Farmers Branch Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Due to his efforts, only minor damage occurred. After the fire was extinguished, Freddie assisted the Fire Marshal in getting the building fire alarm system and smoke control system back in normal operation.
On several occasions medical emergencies take place in Centura Tower. Freddie quickly responds and leads the team in providing elevator service for first responders, quietly standing by to offer support and provide assistance where needed. Freddie never panics. His calm demeanor helps keep others calm and safe in a time of crisis.
Coca Cola, a tenant in Centura Tower, calls Freddie their “Super Hero”. Freddie continually goes above and beyond for Coca Cola Southwest Beverages. They look forward to seeing him daily and cannot thank him enough for the tireless and thankless hours he puts in at the Tower. He provides a smile when needed and his laughter brightens every room. Freddie is the heart and soul of Coca Cola workplace.
Ashford Hospitality Trust, a tenant in Centura Tower, finds Freddie to be extremely helpful and responds to their needs with urgency and always with a smile. Ashford and Remington appreciate his excellent service whether he is cracking a joke and saying good morning or efficiently and professionally handling any issue he does with his own grace and style. He is respected as a person for his work ethic, values, and presence. Always above and beyond the call of duty to ensure all tenants are taken care of and still ends the task with a smile.
Dallas Capital Bank, a tenant in Centura Tower, mentioned Freddie is dedicated, prompt and a very hard worker. He is reliable and not to mention always makes the staff laugh with his infectious personality.
Freddie’s dedication, attention to detail, experience and professionalism are apparent. His trustworthiness and dedication to his role is unmatchable. Freddie has a deep passion and commitment to the tenants of Centura Tower and shows in his dedication to his profession. Freddie’s pursuit of excellence always comes with a smile on his face.
Freddie is a steady, dedicated servant to his profession and puts the operation of the building and its life safety systems as the highest priority, ensuring the safety of all occupants.
The Farmers Branch Fire Department recognizes Freddie Arthur for his diligence and commitment to the protection of life and property at Centura Tower in the City of Farmers Branch.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Life & Safety Award