A lieutenant from Newport News was one of two people to receive the 2021 Firefighter of the Year award from the governor.
Andrew Zysk has served with the city’s fire department since 2011. He works as a training officer, and volunteers at a camp for children who are burned in house fires.
“Lt. Zysk is an outstanding firefighter and trainer and is most deserving of this recognition,” Newport News Fire Chief Jeff Johnson said in a city newsletter. “He is a true leader, and we are fortunate to have him as part of the team that trains our newest firefighters.”
Zysk’s colleagues said has a passion for physical fitness that inspires others firefighters to become stronger, according to a news release from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office.
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“He asks nothing of his students that he does not do himself. When he demonstrates a skill, he is able to break down the mechanics of it so that the students clearly understand,” the news release said. “He upholds the belief that you shouldn’t train until you get things right, you train until you can’t get it wrong.”
Youngkin’s office said Zysk has an open-door policy when it comes to his students and is approachable and quick to offer help and advice.
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards were established in 2002 and recognize and honor excellence in Virginia’s fire services.
Some of the eight recognized categories include Fire Chief of the Year, outstanding fire department response and excellence in risk reduction.
Jessica Nolte, 757-912-1675, jnolte@dailypress.com