Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
PHOTO: Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fifield, holding plaque, was presented with Auburn’s new John Jenkins Hearts & Hands Leadership Award at the March 15 city council meeting. (Submitted photo)
AUBURN — Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Fifield is the first city resident to be presented with the new John Jenkins Hands & Hearts Leadership Award.
The award, named in honor of former Mayor John Jenkins, who died last year, recognizes an Auburn resident, group, or organization for significant impact on the quality of life in the city. Like Jenkins, recipients of the award will demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:
* Significant and meaningful service to the community;
* Exceptional commitment to volunteerism;
* Unselfish leadership and collaboration;
* Creativity, cooperation, and hard work in service to others;
* Inspiration to others as a role model, especially youth;
* Exemplary leadership in civic activities.
Fifield was presented the award for his outstanding leadership, service to the community and commitment to protecting the people of Auburn, which has been exemplified through his efforts to lead the city’s response to the pandemic, Levesque said. “Not only is he our deputy fire chief, Matt is also the safety coordinator for the city of Auburn,” said Levesque. “As you can imagine that role expanded greatly last March, as the world was faced with unprecedented challenges.”
During the award presentation, which was a surprise Fifield, Levesque related how Fifield emerged as the primary person responsible for “all things COVID,” including how to best mitigate the emerging threat of COVID-19 to the community.
“Matt assisted every city department as well as the Auburn School Department with department-specific plans, protocols and practices,” said Levesque. “And he quickly became the ‘go to expert’ on how to address workplace safety during a pandemic.”
Fifield helped countless supervisors and employees navigate sensitive situations about exposure and quarantine. Many Auburn businesses also leaned on Matt’s knowledge and advice on how to keep their employees and customers safe.
“Deputy Chief Matthew Fifield has been the cornerstone in our fight to remain a healthy, safe and productive community, through the most challenging global emergency of our times,” Levesque said. “He has truly given all that he possibly could to help our community through this challenging year.”
