Fire and Life Safety Award

By TOMMY DEMOPOULOS, Correspondent | October 01, 2020 | FLORIDA

Story No. 100120101

Photo by Assistant Fire Marshal Tommy DemopoulosAdry’s Salon and Spa owner, Ramona Felix with Inspector Cintia Chelles.

Photo by Assistant Fire Marshal Tommy DemopoulosInspector Sheila Doblas with business employees receiving award.

Photo by Assistant Fire Marshal Tommy DemopoulosInspector Cintia Chelles handing out award to Stephen Gentile, owner of Steve's Barbershop.

Reducing or eliminating fire and life safety violations within the City of Tamarac’s businesses and multifamily structures are all in a day’s work for Tamarac Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction division. Each year, they inspect more than 3,000 structures, looking for violations that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the residents, visitors and employees in our City.

Eleven years ago, the Community Risk Reduction division started to deliver Fire and Life Safety Awards to businesses that were violation free during their safety inspection. Each year, some of the same business owners strive to comply with all life safety and fire codes and standards in order to proudly post this prestigious award in their business. This year was no different.

Stephen Gentile, owner of Steve’s Barbershop located at 10080 W. McNab Rd., is one of the award recipients who strives to receive it each year. “I am very interested in the safety of my customers,” said Gentile, who has won this award five years in a row.

New businesses like Adry’s Salon and Spa, 7101 W. Commercial Blvd., earn these safety awards for being free of violations. Owner Ramona Felix was proud to receive her award and asked for her picture to be taken with the award.

Led by Assistant Chief Jeff Moral, the Fire and Life Safety Award program was developed by the Community Risk Reduction division in 2009. Since its inception, there have been many award recipients. “The award creates fire and life safety buy-in from the business owner and the employees,” said Chief Moral.
“Life safety is everyone’s responsibility” said Assistant Fire Marshal Tommy Demopoulos. “Our fire inspectors are a dedicated group of individuals who care deeply for the success of these businesses and do everything within their power to ensure they are safe and successful”.