VOLUNTEER SURPRISE
McDowell High volunteer recognized as honorary fire marshal
On Thursday, May 14, Tyler Allison, a volunteer at McDowell High School, was presented with the certificate of honorary fire marshal. The certificate is "in recognition and honor of years of service helping to ensure the safety of students at McDowell High School."
Deputy Fire Marshal Andrew Worley and Deputy Fire Marshal Sam Robinson from McDowell County presented Tyler Allison with the certificate of honorary fire marshal.
McDowell High Principal Tracey Widmann, left, recognizes Tyler Allison before a special meeting on May 14.
The BrightSide
Thanks to Tyler Allison, the fire drills at McDowell High School are performed smoothly, the front office operates at peak efficiency and packages are delivered with a friendly smile.
For almost 20 years, Allison has volunteered at McDowell High School, where he is a constant help to both students and staff alike. He seeks to assist at the high school's busy office when and where he can.
Allison is particularly enthusiastic and excited about the fire drills and anything related to firefighting.
So on Thursday, May 14, Principal Tracey Widmann convened a special meeting in the school's auditorium. The purpose was to recognize Allison for all his years of helping out at McDowell High. The crowd consisted of the school's staff, Allison's relatives and friends.
It also happened to be his 39th birthday.
"Tyler loves the fire department and he loves a good fire drill," Widmann said.
"He is super helpful to us on days of fire drills. He helps us schedule them."
He supports the high school's career and technical education firefighting program. He makes sure the principal has her walkie-talkie during the monthly drills and he helps other schools schedule their fire drills. He is the designated alarm puller.
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"Tyler is super, super helpful and it is his birthday and we are so thankful for him and his volunteerism," Widmann said.
The event was a surprise Allison, who was almost speechless.
The high point came when Deputy Fire Marshal Andrew Worley and Deputy Fire Marshal Sam Robinson from McDowell County presented Allison with the certificate of honorary fire marshal.
The certificate is "in recognition and honor of years of service helping to ensure the safety of students at McDowell High School."
Widmann also presented Allison with a challenge coin.
All of the recognition seemed a little too much for Allison, who goes about his volunteer work every day with his usual modest and friendly manner.
"I was very surprised," he said with a characteristic smile.
