Treasure Island Fire Rescue Educator Receives Award

TREASURE ISLAND, FL — The Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition has awarded Mercedes Nelson-Palmer, Treasure Island Fire Rescue's life safety educator, the Member of the Year Award for 2022.

Nelson-Palmer was presented the award by Laci Stokes at the coalition's regional holiday luncheon on Dec. 6. Nelson-Palmer has been with the fire rescue since June 2021.

Since joining the Safe Kids Coalition, Nelson-Palmer has been one of its most active members. She is part of the child passenger safety committee and quickly became a certified car seat technician, part of the bike/pedestrian committee, and a certified helmet fitter. She has participated in many Safe Kids events in multiple districts and counties.

Nelson-Palmer recently attended the Saint Petersburg Fire Rescue block party, Safe Kid's Day in Sarasota, the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Safe Sitter Course and the department's child passenger technician training class.

Most recently, she assisted with the Hurricane Ian safety items giveaway at North Port Fire Rescue.

Nelson-Palmer is currently completing her affiliation with the American Heart Association to establish a public CPR training program at Treasure Island Fire Rescue.

This press release was produced by Treasure Island PIO. The views expressed here are the author's own.