The Nissan fire and rescue volunteer keeping communities safe

Larry Powell – Senior Quality Engineer, USA

At Nissan, our job is to create the safest vehicles possible. From how cars are designed to the technology that defines them, we aim to make journeys more enjoyable for both drivers and their passengers. It's also up to us to deliver constant safety innovations that help lower risk on the road.

For some Nissan team members, a commitment to keep communities safe extends beyond the workplace.

Senior engineer Larry Powell currently works at one of Nissan's Powertrain Assembly Plants in Decherd, Tennessee. But that's not the only way he occupies his time. Larry has been volunteering with his local Fire Department and Rescue Squad for more than a decade.

"I enjoy helping others, especially when help is needed in difficult and dangerous situations," said Larry. A volunteer Assistant Fire Chief, he's also clocked up enough training hours to qualify as a state-certified fire and rescue instructor.  Larry teaches initial and basic firefighting training within his local area, Cannon County. Typical training scenarios teach the skills and responses needed to tackle a house fire or rescue people from road accidents.

It's no easy task. Not everyone wants to be a volunteer, especially if they need to place themselves in danger. For Larry, finding enough people to train and give up their free time to assist local emergency services is a constant battle.

You need a calm, clear head to operate in rescue situations. Larry acknowledges that it can be mentally tough: "You need emotional as well as physical strength to be a first responder. I'll never forget attending the scene of a fatal automobile wreck for the first time. A young driver had been killed: hit head-on by a drunk driver going the wrong way on a 4-lane highway. It's an extremely difficult thing to experience."

Larry Powell

"But my time as a volunteer has shone a new light on the importance of my job as a Nissan engineer. As a global team across many different functions, I know we're doing all we can to make cars as safe as they can possibly be. Whether it's engineering or designing new safety technology, everyone at Nissan has a part to play in protecting our communities."