FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Fort Sam Houston Fire and Emergency Services won the Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Program of the Year award and placed as runner-up for the Small Fire Department of the Year award in the 2008 Army Fire and Emergency Services Award program.
FES also received the Installation Management Command-West Fire Prevention Program of the Year and Small Fire Department of the Year awards.
The AFESA synopsis describes FES prevention efforts at the forefront of the Base Realignment and Closure initiatives, reviewing over 150 building projects valued at $1.2 billion, reporting only a $500 fire loss for the calendar year and providing fire prevention services for 33,000 personnel, 1,500 facilities and a 28,000 acre combat training range.
It was an increased demand on the same number of people that put the department over the top for the award said Terry Davis, FES assistant fire chief, Fire Prevention, who explained that the people handling the work load are dedicated professionals.
"They're really enthusiastic about getting out there and making sure we have a fire-free environment and no loss of property or lives," Davis said.
Davis said the department averages around 65 building inspections per month and estimates that number will increase substantially once BRAC construction is completed.
"We review all of the construction design and walkthroughs on post, as well as keeping up with all of the normal activities of fire prevention inspection."
The department also trains contractors on fire prevention and does periodic follow-ups. "There has been an increase in this type of training," Davis said. "It's part of the procedure on our safety checklist."
The department responded to 879 medical, 667 structural, 54 hazmat calls, and two wild fires during the year cited. Emergency intervention saved the lives of two separate gun shot victims; stabilized fractures and prevented shock for a Chilean Ranger during an airborne jump mishap; and revived a premature infant during child birth.
Eight FSH firefighters were awarded the Commander's Civilian Award for saving lives.
They truly deserve this recognition," said U.S. Army Garrison Commander Col. Mary Garr.
"Our entire Fire Department is consistently recognized as the Army's best. We can all rest assured that our fire fighting team is taking care of us every day.
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