RICHMOND, Ky. -- It can't be said enough that size really doesn't matter. With 21 firefighters, the Blue Grass Army Depot Fire Department is small in number but generates larger than expected results.
The Blue Grass Army Depot Fire Departments' numerous training efforts and preventative measures justified its Department of the Army's Small Fire Department of the Year Award. The Department of the Army's 2009 Fire and Emergency Services awards recognize special achievements of individuals, teams and fire departments.
The Department of the Army selection committee reviewed a total of 10 nomination packages from U.S. Army Installation Management Command, U.S. Army Medical Command, military firefighters and Army Materiel Command.
The depot's fire department has never been a recipient of this award; this year is their first time submitting a nomination package but all the same, the firefighters continue their routine which includes training and plenty of it.
"We train on any and every type of emergency that we have a possibility to respond to," said Chief Sean Brewer, Blue Grass Army Depot Fire Department.
Of course there isn't an emergency every hour of the day and with that in mind the BGAD firefighters refuse to become complacent or even reactive. Chief Brewer insists, "The quickest way to stagnation is to live by the 'we have always done it that way' code.
"And that is just not how we do business at Blue Grass Army Depot."
So when there's no emergency to attend, they take a proactive approach and train, train, train. Leading those training programs are James Basin, Assistant Chief and Greg Ranard. According to Brewer, "The key issue is for us to be ready to respond to anything from a fully involved building fire or a hazmat spill to a vehicle accident or someone trapped in an elevator."
Located in a $2.7 million facility less than five years old, the BGAD fire station sits atop a hill on the depot and there's usually plenty of activity inside.
The fire department is responsible for training 78 percent of the Blue Grass workforce in live fire extinguisher training. In addition to keeping employees abreast of how to extinguish fires, a two man fire prevention office also performs fire hazard inspections of office buildings annually, if not every quarter.
"If a hazard is found, it is brought to the attention of the building's manager and is corrected either on the spot or through the very effective work order program with the directorate of services and support," said Chief Brewer.
Off the depot, the BGAD fire department partnered with Madison County (Ky.) to create a Unified Command to help mitigate a gas line rupture threatening a residential area. It is a fact the fire department responds to many off depot calls and as a result the community and depot relations are strengthened.
"We have a great working relationship with the city of Richmond Fire Department as well as the Madison County Fire Department. We have to count on each other to help when needed. This off depot and community teamwork had provided BGAD with numerous emergency responses that remain unknown to most personnel, as most of them occur after duty hours when the depot has reduced operations for the day.
"These extra responses help sharpen our firefighter's skills (whether) firefighting or medical," said Chief Brewer.
To be fair, the BGAD fire department handles all things fire related, participates in preventative efforts and consistently practices safety-and so much more.
The firefighters found a way to reformat the station helping create one large physical training room resulting in increased physical fitness participation. The firefighters lend a hand in other depot initiatives including the Wounded Warrior program.
"I have a group of firefighters that are proud ex-warriors themselves. Once you have been in the military, you can never turn your back on that part of your life.
"As soon as we heard about the Wounded Warrior program hands went up volunteering to help whenever they can," said Chief Brewer.
In turn, Brewer doesn't underscore the support of BGAD leaders and their support of the fire departments' persistent efforts.
"We are very proud of the accomplishments of our depot fire department. The explosive and industrial work we do every day in support of the Joint Warfighter can be extremely hazardous and we are fully confident in their ability to respond to any situation. They are a true group of professionals and fully support our contributions to the strength of our nation," said Col. Joseph Tirone, BGAD commander.
"Leadership from the top down, including Col. Tirone and Ms. Christine Wren, Director of Services & Support, (has) provided unwavering guidance and direction. They have set the standards and provided us with all the tools and equipment that is needed to meet those standards. Fire protection is on the top of both of their list of high priorities, and that does make my job as fire chief much easier," said Brewer.
The BGAD Fire Department continues on as the Department of the Army Small Fire Department of the Year to compete at the Department of Defense level. Of their current recognition, Chief Brewer said, "Truthfully I don't think some of my own firefighters realize just how big of a deal this is. To be named the best small fire department in the entire Army is truly a feat. Now we are just keeping our fingers crossed for the next phase of this award, competing at the DoD level."
More Blue Grass Army Depot Fire Department Initiatives:
* Equipped vehicles with advanced firefighting agent
(increased each vehicles' capabilities for flame heat reduction by 600 percent)
*Installed National Fire Protection Association compliant live fire training structure
(provided firefighters a powerful tool to hone firefighting skills)
*Procured state of the art battery operated gunnery
(protecting firefighters from back-related injuries)
*Procured new wildland fire vehicle
(previously confined to paved areas-now firefighters take the fight to the fire)
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