Summit Fire Department and Overlook Medical Center Recognize Keith Peterson
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, the Summit Fire Department and Overlook Medical Center recognized hospital employee Keith Peterson for successfully implementing a fire safety plan during a motor vehicle fire in the emergency department parking lot on Friday, June 7, 2019.
Peterson was on duty at 1:46AM when he witnessed a motor vehicle catch fire. He used a portable fire extinguisher to control the fire until the Summit Fire Department arrived on scene. Peterson was trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers as part of an ongoing Atlantic Health System employee fire safety training program conducted in partnership with the Summit Fire Department.
“Portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires until the fire department arrives,” explains Fire Chief Eric Evers. “But portable extinguishers do have limitations. As fires grow and spread rapidly, the number one priority is for people to exit safely. Every household should also have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.”
Chief Evers continues: “It is through the dedicated efforts of fire prevention Lieutenant Joe Moschello and Atlantic Health System fire safety officer David McCabe to initiate consistent and ongoing training practices that employees like Mr. Peterson are able to successfully react in emergency situations. I commend him for his quick thinking and commitment to following established protocols.”
For more information on the Summit Fire Department and its fire safety initiatives, visit the City of Summit website.
