OEMS Profile: David Bellew’s Definition of Success

OEMS Profile: David Bellew’s Definition of Success

The first time I met David Bellew, he had a quiet authority about him. He had an air of confidence that was firmly backed by his years of experience, education and countless accomplishments. He had struck me as a no nonsense type that made little room for shenanigans. His appearance and demeanor exuded confidence and a down-to-business style.

Bellew sort of fell into the field of emergency management when he was hired as the night manager of the emergency management plans for the local jurisdiction where he lived. He found that he enjoyed the work and went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in public policy. That was twenty years ago. Bellew had a hand in developing some of the policies and procedures that are now considered commonplace within the emergency management field.

Imagine my surprise when on my first day at NOVA, Bellew was the first to offer me words of reassurance. It seemed as though he was able to read my mind as he directly addressed all the doubts I was having about my ability to join such an experienced and respected emergency management team. His words felt validating and helped to put me at ease. However, they also confused me somewhat, as the impression I had of Bellew didn’t match up with the person who had just offered me that kindness.

David Bellew voluntarily took on the role of assisting me in learning my role as an emergency coordinator for the college. He offered me guidance and advice with developing as an OEM professional, and he continuously goes out of his way to provide me with opportunities to learn and grow. The first time I sat down with him to truly express my gratitude, Bellew said to me, “Other people helped me when I was starting out. I just ask that one day you pay it forward too.”

I finally came to understand him. David Bellew is a person who always tries to help the next person in line. He doesn’t give a person a fish, but instead he teaches the person to fish for themselves. He holds to the adage by actor and activist Danny Thomas, “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.”

Submitted by:
Hayley Holmes, OEMS, HHolmes@nvcc.edu