On March 18, Kirk Payne, Sprinkler Fitter at Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection (DU) in Corning, New York, was on his way to work when he saw smoke coming from a nearby apartment building.
Payne, who is also a volunteer firefighter, didn’t hesitate to act. After hearing that several residents were still in the building, he confirmed 9-1-1 had been called, and then ran inside and began knocking on doors. He helped several residents evacuate safely, including several seniors who needed additional help.
One of those seniors was a Navy veteran who lost his wallet in the chaos. Payne not only helped him find it, but also connected him to the Veterans Administration for assistance, and gave him a basket of clothes due to the loss of his belongings.
According to DU Branch Leader Stephen Lenhardt, Payne’s actions are who he is. “Kirk’s actions demonstrate courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the Davis‑Ulmer team."
Safety is APi Group’s number one value and priority. Thank you, Kirk, for embodying those beliefs so powerfully.