BRANCHPORT, NY — August 5 — David Mortensen from the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department has been honored as the 2026 Fire Safety Educator of the Year by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

The Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department, located at 3686 NY 54A, Branchport, NY 14418. Mortensen, who was previously a fire chief and is now the chairman of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire District Board of Commissioners, has dedicated over three decades to promoting fire prevention and life-safety education in the Finger Lakes region.

His efforts started in the early 1990s at Branchport Elementary School, where he was known to the students as “Fireman Dave.” His programs focused on teaching children about smoke alarms, creating home escape plans, and practicing safe evacuation methods.

When the school closed, Mortensen continued his educational programs through the Penn Yan Central School District.

His outreach later included homeschool groups, summer camps, and schools that serve the local Mennonite community.

In addition, Mortensen has offered ice-safety education, covering topics such as ice conditions, self-rescue techniques, and survival in cold water.

The award celebrates a career committed to prevention and community education.

His work highlights how volunteer firefighters can have a significant impact even before an emergency occurs.