Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Department of Defense has revealed the recipients of the prestigious 2023 DOD Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Awards, showcasing the outstanding accomplishments of various fire departments, fire officers, and firefighters within the organization. Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations, and environment, commended the efforts of the DOD F&ES in 2023, emphasizing their dedication to reducing risks and ensuring the protection of military installations and training lands.
Among the winners, the Fire Department of the Year in the Small Category was awarded to the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The squadron was recognized for their exceptional performance in fire inspections, firefighting operations, and community partnerships, including the development of a car seat inspection program.
In the Medium Category, the Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan stood out for their response to numerous emergencies, rigorous training programs, and the publication of a carrier Fire Response Plan aimed at enhancing fire response coordination.
The Fire Department of the Year in the Large Category was awarded to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for their extensive efforts in emergency response, safety campaigns, and environmental projects, such as the establishment of a clean burning training facility.
The Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa, Japan, received the Fire Prevention Program of the Year award for their comprehensive fire inspection initiatives, public education events, and fire evacuation drills conducted to ensure the safety of personnel and facilities.
Individual awards were also presented to exemplary firefighters and fire officers. Aviation Boatswain's Mate Aircraft Handler First Class Petty Officer Anna Perez from Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, was recognized as the Military Firefighter of the Year for her exceptional emergency response and mentorship within the Navy.
Civilian Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Jeffry Frawley from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, for his contributions to improving team safety and incident mitigation strategies through the pre-fire plan program.
Senior Master Sergeant Michael E. Nalley, Jr., from Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was named Military Fire Officer of the Year for his leadership in incident management and sustainment initiatives, while Deputy Fire Chief Adam J. Montoya from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, received the Civilian Fire Officer of the Year award for his exemplary management of the Army's largest fire department in Europe.
Interim Training Chief Tobias Lang, also from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, was recognized as the Fire Service Instructor of the Year for his dedication to firefighter training and readiness in active shooter situations.
These exceptional individuals and departments have demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence in their roles as first responders, safeguarding the lives of service members and the public while upholding the DOD's mission. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements in supporting installation resilience.
