published: Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Avila named 2012 Firefighter of the Year

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - Firefighter/
EMT David Avila was recently recognized by Mayor George Hensley, Fire Chief Brad Batz, dignitaries, family and friends as the 2012 Sebring Firefighter of the Year.

Avila has been a member of the Sebring Fire Department for the past several years. The New York native has become a valued member of the department serving the community diligently day in and day out.

SFD members nominate and vote on who they feel is an outstanding service man and goes above and beyond the call of duty.

The firefighter (who is of Puerto Rican decent) filed a complaint regarding racial discrimination in January. Investigations were launched into Avila's concerns and wrapped up later that month. The city ruled that the concerns/complaints were unfounded.

Chief Batz commented that Avila is "always smiling" and that his work ethic is an asset to the department.

Avila continues to live out his childhood dream of being a firefighter and serves the local community with dignity and upstanding attitude.