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An MUSC Hero Campbell praised for emergency response by Cindy Abole Public Relations Like police officers, firemen, and first responders, MUSC's Michael Campbell is a genuine community hero.  Last July, Campbell, who works with the Zone 2 maintenance staff, Engineering and Facilities, responded to a Code Red alert during his morning service rounds at the Hollings Cancer Center. The blinking lights on the building’s fire alarm panel revealed a problem in the fourth floor’s elevator control room. Campbell and fellow employee, Robert Simmons, ran to the smoke-filled control area to find one wall engulfed in flames of an advancing fire. Reacting calmly and without hesitation, Campbell found a nearby fire extinguisher and doused the flames until professional help arrived.  In a letter written last fall recognizing Campbell for his bravery and service, vice president for finance and administration Lisa Montgomery wrote: “Your quick and decisive actions resulted in the fire causing minimal damage to the Hollings Cancer Center and all of the occupants of the building being safely evacuated. Thank you for your outstanding efforts on behalf of the university.” Michael Campbell But being dependable, hard-working and conscientious are not the only traits that describe this unassuming individual and former Charleston Naval Shipyard technician. An MUSC employee for more than 10 years, Campbell is regularly honored with Applause awards and earned the department’s Employee of the Month award twice in 2004. A dedicated worker and father, Campbell takes great pride in his work and daily responsibilities. He possesses good rapport with co-workers and area customers in the 44 buildings covered within his work zone.  “Mike is respected by his customers and co-workers, alike,” said John Wilson, facilities director and former supervisor. “He constantly seeks and finds new ways to accomplish difficult tasks and saves MUSC money at the same time. He is willing to work long and odd hours to get any job done. Mike is courteous, punctual and follows through on every assignment.” During an emergency or other reported building/area problem, the Engineering and Facilities staff are trained to handle certain situations by focusing on the first line of defense—the roof, plumbing and electrical, according to Engineering and Facilities supervisor John Eilerman. From there, if a situation is not an emergency, specific jobs and in-house expertise can be matched to handle issues and resolve problems through the system. “Mike’s very knowledgeable around campus,” said Eilerman. “His knowledge and experience helps him to naturally respond to things that are happening around him.” Trade specialist Bill Condon trained with Campbell when he first arrived to work in Engineering and Facilities.  “He’s showed me a lot over the years,” said Condon. “Mike’s conscientious and will go out of his way to do things right. He’s a good teacher. I’m glad to be working with him on our team.”  Editor’s note: At MUSC, heroes abound. They exist in the form of caregivers, faculty, students and staff. The Catalyst's MUSC Heroes is a column that offers employees and staff the opportunity to recognize MUSC's everyday heroes. Send an e-mail about your MUSC hero along with your name and office phone number to catalyst@musc.edu.    Friday, Feb. 4, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.