Puget Sound Fire’s Melanie Taylor was chosen Educator of the Year for 2020 by the Washington Public Fire Educators.

Early on in the uncertainty of the pandemic, Taylor, a public education specialist, worked with her colleagues to create easily digestible content on safe ways for community members to protect themselves when venturing out for essential items, according to the fire educators group. Throughout the pandemic, Taylor has continued to provide consistent, reliable resources to the community.

Taylor mentors, models and supports the growth of fire educators from across the state.

On the state level, Taylor has served an invaluable role as a positive mentor to fellow fire educators, a history keeper of values and purpose of the statewide group. She previously served five years as the Washington Public Fire Educators chair.

Spending time with Taylor, most can quickly ascertain her determination to find the good in any situation, her willingness to help when others ask and her growth mindset are cornerstones of her values both personally and professionally, according to the educators.

Taylor has worked with Puget Sound Fire for nearly 16 years after seven years with the Maple Valley Fire Department.