(SmyrnaVinings.News) — The Smyrna Fire Department honored the chair of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation with its annual Irons Award for his exceptional support.
Paul Powers has served on the board since 2023 and as its chair since 2024.
The department bestowed the award during the Annual Smyrna Fire Department Awards, held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the newly refurbished Hotel Indigo Atlanta-Vinings Ballpark Area.
“What we do as board members comes from a deep appreciation and admiration for the men and women who serve our community,” Powers said. “We work hard to support them and be there when they need us. To be recognized by the very people we admire and work to support is incredibly special, and I’m truly grateful to receive this honor.”
The department presents the award annually to a community member whose service goes above and beyond. Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos said the department created the award to recognize a partner outside the department who has contributed to its mission.
“Paul has been an outstanding supporter of the department,” Marcos said. “When members of our public safety family have faced serious hardships, and we’ve turned to the foundation for help, Paul has consistently stepped up, responding quickly and making sure those needs are addressed. He’s dedicated tremendous time and energy to raising money for our benevolence fund and supporting events like Shop With a Hero, all while running his own small business.”
The department honored Smyrna Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Denise Czarnik with the award in 2023.
Powers, owner of Smyrna-based Powers Electrical Solutions, has also been deeply engaged in the local community in addition to his work with the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation. He is active in the Smyrna Business Association, and last year, he was one of three Smyrna Public Safety Foundation board members selected for the Leadership Cobb 2026 class.
“Paul understands that supporting our first responders means more than simply saying thank you; it’s showing up each and every day,” Czarnik said. “He has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the men and women who serve and make our community the special place that it is, and this recognition is well deserved. The Irons Award is a meaningful honor, and I can’t think of a more deserving recipient.”
For more information, visit SmyrnaPSF.org.
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