Firefighter of the Month

Firefighter of the Month

We are pleased to announce that the Pearl Firefighter of the Month is Michael Fivecoat. He began his career with the Pearl Fire Department in September 1984 and has worked his way through the ranks of PFD and was appointed Chief of Fleet Maintenance in November 2014 where he is currently serving.

On Wednesday May 16th, 2018 around 11:30 AM Mike was in his FD truck driving east bound towards Station 4. As he passed the Airport Road intersection he noticed a Ford SUV driving very erratic. He notified Pearl PD of the situation by radio and continued to follow behind. As the two vehicles approached the intersection at Walmart he realized that the SUV was not stopping for the red light. Chief Fivecoat knew then that he was going to have to take action. Mike continued to notify PD over the radio as to which direction and speed the SUV was traveling as well as warning oncoming motorists of the dangerous situation. He was able to prevent a major collision at the intersection of Highway 80 and Crossgates Blvd as the two traveled into Brandon. Shortly after they went through the intersection, he noticed that the driver appeared unconscious and knew this was an even greater situation than what he initially realized. As the SUV crossed the median and began traveling east in the westbound lane, Fivecoat sensed the situation escalating quickly and put himself between the SUV and oncoming traffic. With red lights flashing and sirens wailing, once again a potential tragic situation was avoided with no collision. The SUV began slowing and Fivecoat exited his vehicle and was able to break out the driver’s window and turn the ignition off on the SUV. The SUV came to rest on the shoulder of the road after striking a barricade and a fence. Fivecoat summoned for EMS and began administering first-aid immediately. The driver was suffering from a diabetic emergency and her blood sugar had dropped so low that she was not able to function. The driver was transported to the hospital and was expected to recover. Without Chief Fivecoat’s quick actions, this situation could have turned out much different. Chief Fivecoat is part of the administrative staff operating under Chief Kibby at Central Fire Station. He shows dedication and hard work with his daily routine of maintaining the fire department’s vehicle fleet and equipment, but his true dedication to this community was demonstrated by his actions on May 16th, 2018.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Chief Fivecoat with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket with a gift card for a meal for two people. Jose’s Mexican Restaurant donated a $25 Gift Certificate; Moss Creek Fish House donated a $25 Gift Card; The Pearl Municipal Federal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Church’s Chicken donated a $20 Gift Certificate; McAlister’s Deli donated two complimentary meals; Eclipse Nutrition donated a certificate for 5 FREE Shakes; Focus Fit donated a 1 month FREE Pass; Scott’s Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit and Great American Cookie Company donated a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Pearl Fire Department Firefighter of the Month is Lieutenant Preston Harris. Lt. Harris is a graduate of Simpson Academy where he is a former State Champion in both football and baseball. He also attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he played running back on the Golden Eagles football team. Preston came to work at the Pearl Fire Department in April 2008 and was promoted to Lieutenant in July 2014. He has obtained nearly 1000 hours from the Mississippi Fire Academy and he is also a nationally registered EMT. He works on B Shift under the direction of Chief Ricky Purvis and is a great asset to the Pearl Fire Department.
The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Lt. Harris with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card, a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket with a gift card for a meal for two. Cavender’s Western Wear donated a $50 Gift Card; The Pearl Municipal Federal Credit Union donated a $25 Gift Card; Church’s Chicken donated a $20 Gift Certificate; Scott’s Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit; Great American Cookie donated a cookie cake; Eclipse Nutrition donated a Gift Certificate for 5 Free Shakes; McAlister’s Deli donated two complimentary meals and Focus Fit donated a 1 month free pass.

Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Firefighter of the Month for February is Captain Justin Priest.  Justin joined the Pearl Fire Department on May 7, 2007 and works at Station 1 on A Shift.  Since joining the department, Justin has documented nearly 1000 training hours at the fire academy along with completing the paramedic program in August 2017.  Justin lives in Florence, MS and graduated from Simpson Academy in 2005.  Prior to joining the fire department, Justin had attended Hinds Community College.  Justin was promoted to the rank of Captain in March of 2017.  Justin is married to Emily and they have two children, Anna Grace (7), and Brantley (5).  Justin is being recognized for his work ethic and the level of care and concern he has for the citizens that he serves.  Justin is also a great example to new firefighters. 

 

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Captain Priest with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card, a Cracker Barrel Basket with a gift certificate for a meal for two people and a $20 Frisco Deli Gift Certificate. Cavender’s Western Wear donated a $50 Gift Card; Scotts Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Great American Cookie donated a Cookie Cake; McAlister’s Deli donated a meal for two and Focus Fit donated a 1 Months Free Pass.

December Firefighter of the Month

We are pleased to announce that the City of Pearl Firefighter of the Month in December is Captain James Byrd. James began working at Pearl Fire Department 20 years ago on December 24, 1997. James has documented over 1000 training hours at the Fire Academy and is also a nationally registered paramedic. James became the department’s second paramedic in August 2001 and has been a part of building the paramedic program to what it is today. James also completed the very rigoro...us and demanding smoke diver program at the State Fire Academy in March of 2007 and still assists in training candidates for upcoming smoke diver classes. James was promoted to Captain in January 2009 and serves on C Shift at Station 1. James also moves into the Battalion Chief’s position as needed. James is married to Jodi and they have two children, Brendon (12) and Addison (10).

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Captain Byrd with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card, a $50 Visa Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel basket with a gift card for a meal for two people. Jose’s Mexican Restaurant donated a $25 Gift Card; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Moss Creek Fish House donated a $25 Gift Card; McAlister’s Deli donated two complimentary meals; Eclipse Nutrition donated a $25 Gift Card; Great American Cookie donated a cookie cake. Focus Fit donated a one month FREE pass and Scotts Miracle Grow donated a soft side cooler.

October Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the October Firefighter of the Month is Captain Stacey Underwood. Stacey began working at the Pearl Fire Department on December 4, 2000. Since breaking through the gender barrier and becoming the city’s first and only female firefighter, Stacey has not slowed down on her stride to be the best firefighter she can be. Not only does she have over 1000 hours of Fire Academy training, but she also became a Nationally Registered Paramedic in 2013. ...Stacy’s most recent promotion to Captain came in June 2016. Prior to becoming a firefighter, Stacey had obtained a B.S. degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and also obtained her pilot’s license. Stacey works on “B” shift at Station 2. Stacey is married to Phillip Underwood who is a Juvenile Detective at the Pearl Police Department and they have one child, Caleb.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Captain Underwood with a framed certificate, a $100 Cavender’s Western Wear Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket along with a Gift Card for a meal for two people. Bullock Investigations and Security donated a $25 Shell Gas Card; Flawless Boutique donated a $20 Gift Certificate; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Jose’s Mexican Restaurant donated a $25 Gift Certificate; TempStaff donated a $25 Dickie’s BBQ Gift Card; McAlister’s Deli donated two Complimentary lunches; Eclipse Nutrition donated a $25 Gift Card; Focus Fit donated a Pass for a FREE Membership for a Month; Signmark donated a duffle bag and Great American Cookie Company donated a cookie cake.

August Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the August Firefighter of the Month is Firefighter Aaron Conerly. Aaron was hired with the fire department on April 1, 2015. Since that date, he has not wasted any time in completing his minimum requirements as well as several advanced classes. Aaron has recorded over 500 training hours at the MS Fire Academy including his Basic Firefighter Class, Driver/Operator, Rope Rescue, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Rescue, and Smoke Di...ver, a very physically and mentally challenging course. He has also gained his nationally registered EMT certification. He displays the same work diligence everyday while on duty with A Shift at Station 1. This should come as no surprise as Aaron is also a former US Marine who received several medals and accommodations while serving our country for the war on terrorism. Aaron is the son of Pearl Police Chief Ronnie Conerly.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Aaron with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket along with a complete meal for two. Bullock Investigations and Security donated a $25 Shell Gift Card; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; Jose’s Mexican Restaurant donated a $20 gift certificate; McAlister’s Deli donated two FREE meals; Scott’s Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit; Signmark donated a duffel bag and Great American Cookie Company donated a cookie cake!

June Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Pearl Fire Department Firefighter of the Month in June is Lieutenant Marty Grant. Marty grew up in Pearl where he was always very active in the sports community. Marty is a 1995 graduate of Pearl High School. After graduation Marty attended Hinds Community College where he was on the baseball team. Upon completion of his baseball career, Marty began work in th...e air conditioning business. It was in 2008 when he decided he wanted to come back to his home town and serve at the fire department. Marty has completed over 1000 training hours at the MS Fire Academy. He is also a nationally registered EMT and was promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2016. There is not a more dedicated individual that loves serving his hometown and home fire department. Marty is an employee that can always be counted on to serve and be involved in whatever the fire department has going on. Marty is married to Marsha and they have two children: Bretton(6) and Briggs(1).

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Lt. Grant with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Gift Card, a $20 Frisco Deli Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Basket along with a complete dinner for two. Moss Creek Fish House donated a $25 Gift Card; the Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; McAlister’s Deli donated 2 FREE meals; Scotts Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit, Bancorp South donated a spectator cooler chair and Signmark donated a duffel bag.

April Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Pearl Fire Department Firefighter of the Month is Captain Shawn Buchanan. Shawn is a graduate of Pearl High School and Holmes Community College and began work with the Pearl Fire Department on February 4, 1999. Since his start, Shawn has logged over 1500 training hours at the State Fire Academy and also has completed several EMS training courses. Shawn was promoted to Lieutenant in May 2007 and to Captain in July 2014. Shawn takes a lead b...y example approach while serving as Captain on B Shift at Station 4. Shawn’s experience proved instrumental as he served on the committee that designed the new fire trucks that were recently delivered and put into service. We appreciate his dedication to the fire department and his willingness to always go above and beyond the call of duty. Shawn is married to Erin and they have two children, Abbey (9) and Dalton (7).

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Captain Buchanan with a framed certificate, a $100 Walmart Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket with a gift card for a meal for two. Southern Society Real Estate donated $25; Moss Creek Fish House donated a $25 gift card; Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa gift card; Scotts Miracle Gro donated a Fit Bit; Big D's Diner certificate good for 1 complimentary Boston Butt and 2 sides:  Baldwin Lee Funeral Home donated a Yeti Cup and McAlister’s Deli donated 2 complimentary lunches.

February Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Firefighter of the Month in February is Lieutenant Mike Long. Mike is a Pearl High School graduate and attended Hinds Community College. He joined the Pearl Fire Department on February 20, 2012. Since then, Mike has been busy with increasing his knowledge and skills to become a better fireman. After having completed his basic fire school and EMT school rather quickly, Mike completed the Nationally Registered Paramedic program in August 2016. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to Lieutenant in September 2016. He has logged over 500 hours at the MS Fire Academy as well as taking on extra roles at the fire department. Mike works at Station 1 on A Shift and is married to Heather Fowler Long. They have one child, Fowler.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Lt. Long with a framed certificate, a $100 Walmart gift card and a Cracker Barrel gift basket along with a complete meal for two. Scotts Miracle Gro donated a Fitbit; Southern Society Real Estate donated $25; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; TempStaff donated a $25 O’Charley’s gift card, H&R Block donated a $25 Kroger gift card, McAlister’s Deli donated a meal for two and Signmark donated a soft side cooler.

December Firefighter of the Month

We are proud to announce that the Pearl Fire Department Firefighter of the Month in December is Captain Billy Stegall. Billy joined the fire department on January 2, 1999 and was promoted to Captain on January 10, 2014. Captain Stegall works on C Shift at Station 4 and was nominated for this award because of his initiative in taking on projects outside of his normal duties. Billy has been involved with maintenance and improvements at Station 4 as well as being an integral part of the committee for the design and production of Pearl’s newest fire engines. He recently returned from a four day trip to Wisconsin to finalize the production of these trucks which should be arriving in early 2017. Billy is married to Ashley and they have two children, Laura Keegan and Anna Brantley.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Captain Stegall with a framed certificate, a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card and a Cracker Barrel Gift Basket along with a gift card for a meal for two. Moss Creek Fish House donated a $50 gift card; Bullock Investigations and Security donated a $25 gift card to Saltine; Mickey Anderson Photography donated a family photo shoot; The Pearl Municipal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; The Holiday Inn Trustmark Park donated a gift certificate for a complimentary meal for two at the Alumni House Sports Bar & Grill; McAlister’s Deli donated a meal for two; Pizza Inn donated 4 complimentary buffets and Signmark donated a soft side cooler.

 

Pages