Chief Brenda Thomas, fire prevention director
Why are you driven to your work?
I am driven to my work because I
have the opportunity to give back to my
hometown in the manner that I watched
my city and neighborhood (Rodney E.
Davis Homes) give to me.
I had the opportunity to participate
in the Jr. Olympics and the community
raised funds for me, my coach
and my mom to make the trip. The
neighborhood moms had a going
away reception for me when I went off
to college and it had such an impact
on me that I always knew I would
come back home. If I was going to
make a difference, it would be back
home where I witnessed people in my
community make a difference in my life
because of their love and support.
What do you want more people to
know about your work?
Our work as first responders is very
serious business to us and it takes major
dedication to provide top-notch service
to our citizens. The better prepared they
are regarding their safety, actually helps
us when it comes to our safety.
When you wake up in the night, what
do you think about?
When I'm at the fire house and
awakened by the fire bell going off, my
first thought is, "Lord, help."
After being with the fire department
for 30 years, you just never know what
you are about to face.
If I had more time, I would:
I would continue brainstorming better
ways to serve the public, especially
when it comes to educating the public
on fire safety.
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maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020
