NOW reporter eats smoke and wins two media awards

Burnaby NOW reporter Alfie Lau received two honours in the International Association of Fire Fighters 2012 Media Awards contest.

Lau's story, Fire Ops 101 to test Burnaby politicians, received an honourable mention in the Best News Story for publications with a circulation less than 100,000.

The story, which ran in October 2011 and also featured the photography and video work of colleague Larry Wright, finished behind Tom Hasslinger of the Coeur d'Alene Press in Idaho for his story, 48 Hours, chronicling a 48-hour shift with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department.

Judges said: "Lau balances humor to educate readers on what it's like being exposed to a live fire with extreme temperatures in a simulator, performing an auto extrication exercise and a patient rescue. He learns - most importantly - what it means to work as a team to fight a fire."

The second category Lau won for was for Best Blogs, where he finished second behind Jim Spell of firechief. com out of Vail, Colorado.

Lau's blog postings entitled "Reporter takes some heat" also concentrated on Lau's Fire Ops 101 experiences.

Judges said "Journalist Alfie Lau blogged on video and in print about his experience with Fire Ops 101. Lau talks about everything from the weight of the turnout gear to the challenges each evolution presented."

The IAFF Media Awards received 305 entries in 2012 and winners receive both cash prizes and award certificates and/or plaques.

For his second-place finish, Lau receives a $250 cash prize and an award certificate, while his honorable mention garners an award certificate.

"This is a prestigious award in firefighter circles nationwide and across North America," said Mike Hurley, president of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association. "We are very happy (Lau) was recognized for his work writing about Fire Ops 101. It's a pretty cool honour and very cool that he was recognized twice." www.twitter.com/AlfieLau