Police officers, firefighters, EMS: these are the people who go running into danger while the rest of us are running away. No matter their role, these first responders have one major thing in common: They want to serve the community. Perhaps the most interesting thing about them is how quick they all are to dismiss the idea of heroism. Nominated by their peers, friends and family, these brave citizens are making a difference in the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke City Fire-EMS
Tiffany Bradbury
Public Information Officer
Described as a “Swiss Army knife,” Tiffany Bradbury provides many services for her department, from child safety seat inspector and installer (more than 1,000 so far!), to prevention specialist, accreditation facilitator, grant writer, social media manager and civilian recruiter.
With a background in television, Roanoke native Bradbury is used to the hustle and bustle of a busy career. She’s also accustomed to the firefighter lifestyle, as she grew up in a fire station where her father worked for 33 years. Her husband is a firefighter lieutenant who works 24-hour shifts; between her career and three kids, Bradbury has learned how to juggle her responsibilities and do it well. Yet she constantly asks herself one big question: Am I doing enough?
“When we respond to a civilian’s call, we show up on the worst day of their life. My job is to prevent that worst day from happening,” says Bradbury.
If you have a child who went through Roanoke City schools, it’s almost guaranteed Bradbury has come to speak to them about fire safety. One way she’s managed to increase awareness is through Fire Prevention Month in October with an art contest with schools.
Children’s puppet shows are another way to reach pre-K and kindergarteners. They learn the classic “stop, drop and roll” along with other ways to stay safe in case of fire. Bradbury also does Meals on Wheels visits and will install or check smoke detectors and even change the batteries out for the elderly. Public education events can also be one of the most rewarding parts of her job, too.
“When a little guy comes up with a firefighter t-shirt on knowing we’d visit and we know we’re making memories for him, or when we have a family with a new baby come to get their car seat installed and put them at ease, it’s truly gratifying,” Bradbury says. “We also talk to juveniles who start fires and it’s rewarding to see their behavior change.”
Social media is another way Bradbury gets the word out. “People don’t think a fire or accident will happen to them. It’s about getting our message to as many people as possible. Social media allows me to trickle out information and citizens will share it with their neighborhoods and community.”
With new groups of children each year or senior citizens who need to be reminded of fire issues as they get older, she’s constantly meeting new people.
“I love to be out in the community. I want people to know they can always call our department if they need something, especially public education. There is no dumb question.”
