JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The 87th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, unveiled the 2018 Department of Defense Annual Fire and Emergency Services Award Commemorative banner Oct. 21.
Each year, this award is given to the fire department that made outstanding contributions to their respective installation and community.
“It took a lot of hard work,” said Chris Walters, 87th CES fire chief. “It just shows the dedication of our folks, their abilities and what our guys go through on a daily basis. It’s good for these guys to know that they’re appreciated.”
The department had to surpass in five categories to win the award: emergency response performance, accreditation, customer outreach, training and education and innovation. They support two neighboring counties and all of Joint Base MDL to include four airfields, 85 tenant units, 65 square miles and $21 billion in assets.
“Joint Base MDL is the only tri-service base with Air Force, Army and Navy,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Walker, 87th CES deputy fire chief. “We have six stations that have their own response area and criteria to include hazmat, structural crash, wildland, water rescues, etc. So, it’s a very diverse department.”
The 87th CES fire department hung the banner alongside the fire trucks in the stalls where it can be seen by the firefighters when they leave on another call – doing their job and proving to be the best at it.