DOWNEY - Dispatch supervisor Tracy Gonzales and fire engineer Renick Sampson were honored by Downey Masonic United Lodge No. 220 as "Public Safety Employees of the Year." Gonzales has been with the Downey Fire Department for 10 years and oversees the 911 center for the cities of Downey, Compton, Santa Fe Springs and Vernon.

She manages a staff of nine workers and this year took on the added responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations of its computer network. The fire dispatch center is located at Fire Station 1 on Paramount Boulevard.

Sampson has also been with the Downey Fire Department for 10 years. Recently promoted to engineer after finishing first on the departmental promotional exam, he is responsible for maintaining the apparatus and equipment, keeping them operational at all times.

As an engineer, Sampson must safely drive the fire engine to emergency incidents and pump water at fire scenes.

Downey fire officials also praised Sampson for his "invaluable mechanical skills and excellent customer service."

He is currently assigned to Fire Engine 64 on Florence Avenue.

********** Published: March 28, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 50