GV’s ‘Fireman Greg’ wins award for safety education

Green Valley firefighter Greg Hernandez is affectionately known by local children — and adults — as “Fireman Greg.”

For the past 15 years, Hernandez, 55, has been teaching fire safety to the people of Green Valley, giving equal dedication to the preschoolers at Casa de Esperanza, as to church groups and clubs attended by senior citizens.

Hernandez, who serves with the Green Valley Fire District as a fire inspector and public educator, has been awarded the Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award for his dedication to the community.

“Greg has a lot of heart,” said Janet Morlock, president of the Arizona Fire and Burn Educators Association, which selects their recipient based on their dedication to the community.

“He’s not a ‘no dime, no time’ kind of guy, and it’s truly rare to find someone this selfless,” Morlock said.

“Greg is tireless in his efforts and has influenced many people, young and old, in our community,” Assistant Chief Bill Bohlings said in his letter of nomination.

“Fireman Greg,” who will be Santa for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the GVFD’s Christmas party, is modest about the acclaim.

“I’m thankful to have a fire board and chief that believes in the fire prevention bureau,” he said.

“It’s just an honor to be recognized.”

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726