This prestigious award is presented annually to a member of the fire service community in appreciation of their continued, dedicated support and service to the Burn Institute.
In 1994, the Burn Institute established the Pamela R. Kelly Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of late Fire Prevention Officer Pam Kelly, who worked for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Pam was well known for her tireless volunteer efforts throughout San Diego County.
Captain Mark Waters – 2012 Recipient
For 15 years, San Diego Fire & Rescue Captain Mark Waters has contributed his energy and enthusiasm to the Burn Institute. He has actively embraced a variety of the Institute’s events & programs starting with Camp Beyond the Scars in 1997. Since then he has been a part of nearly 30 summer and winter camps where he currently serves as the camp’s Assistant Director.
Captain Waters has been with the fire service for 26 years and feels blessed to be a firefighter. He wanted to give back to the community so he became involved with the BI’s “Camp Beyond the Scars”. He started out as a camp counselor and has worked his way through the ranks to become the Head Boys Counselor and is currently the Assistant Camp Director. “I have enjoyed my time so much and am proud to say that it’s been a pleasure to be involved with such a great organization, staff and what they stand for. I can’t thank the Burn Institute enough for giving me this opportunity to serve the public and welcoming me into their organization. I truly feel like they are a second family.”
Over the years, Waters has also participated in a variety of other Burn Institute programs and events. He has volunteered to install smoke alarms for seniors on KUSI-News. He has joined in many golf events and the annual Burn Run & Fire EXPO. One of his favorite and most successful events was the former Fire on Ice Firefighter Hockey Charity where he played on the San Diego team. He was also fortunate enough to be selected to represent the Burn Institute as the IAFF National Burn Camp in Washington, D.C. along with one of BI’s campers. He was gratified to have the opportunity to interact with counselors & campers from all over the United States.
The Burn Institute is indebted to Captain Waters for his selfless gift of time and energy throughout his firefighting career and is proud to present him with the 2012 Pamela R. Kelly Volunteer of the Year Award.
Former Recipients
Robert Pohl, Division Chief (2011)
Captain Patrick O’Neil (2010)
Engineer/Paramedic Jeff Chumbley (2009)
Chief Erwin Willis (ret.) (2008)
Captain Dale Stewart (ret.) (2007)
Deputy Chief Mitch Villalpando (2006)
Captain Ron Hollander (2005)
Captain Tom Ferguson (2004)
Captain Mike Nuanes (2003)
Captain Daryn Drum (2002)
Chief Roger Purdie (ret.) (2001)
Chief Dennis Van Der Maaten (ret.) (2000)
Captain Steve Ricci (1999)
Captain Arnell Garcia (1999)
Captain Doug Elliott (1998)
Fire Marshal Paul Dawson (ret.) (1997)
Captain Angelo Cappos (1996)
Captain Ed Montgomery (ret.) (1995)
Chief Bill Wright (ret.) (1994)