JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston's 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services flight was named the 2011 Air Mobility Command, Ralph E. Sanborn Fire Department of the Year (large category) in an announcement made March 25 by Brig. Gen Timothy Green, AMC's installations and mission support director.
The annual award honors Chief Master Sgt. Ralph E. Sanborn, a firefighter who dedicated his 44-year career to improving Air Force fire protection capabilities and recognizes the fire protection flight that achieves the highest degree of excellence in base mission support and fire protection management.
"This award is the culmination of 130 exceptional firefighters, one extraordinary administration guru and one fire chief who was given the common sense to stay out of these superstars way and let them perform," said Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Joe, Fire Emergency Services chief. "I am incredibly proud to serve with these heroes while providing fire emergency services to JB Charleston and the surrounding communities."
In 2011, FES responded to more than 1,400 emergencies. On a daily basis, the FES is responsible for protecting 23,000 people who work and live at Joint Base Charleston's two installations as well as four runways, 23,000 acres of property, 16 miles of shoreline, three wharfs, 16 million square feet of installation facilities and 38 miles of railroads.
"There's none better than our fire emergency services professionals," said Lt. Col. Aaron Altwies, 628th CES commander. "Our base should feel comfortable knowing that no matter what time of day or what kind of emergency, the best fire department in the command is there to protect us."