FORT BENNING, Ga. (June 20, 2012) -- Fort Benning's Directorate of Emergency Services fire department recently won two awards in Installation Management Command's annual Fire and Emergency Service Awards for 2011.
The department won in the large fire department category and Raymond Harrington won in the civilian fire officer category.
"I'm very proud," said Chief Darryl Stewart. "This team has faced many challenges, and continues to excel in meeting their vision and goals set forth for the department."
He said the team brings a balance of experience and youthfulness that energizes the department, as well as strong leadership at every level.
The department submitted a one-page document listing their achievements over the past year, Stewart said.
Situated on the Department of Defense's sixth largest installation, the department protects the Training and Doctrine Command and Medical Command's Ranger, Armor and Infantry missions, as well as more than 2000 buildings and 4,000 housing units valued at $511 billion, 30 million square feet of real property and 220,000 wild land acres from six fire districts, according to the department's submission.
Accomplishments in 2011 included saving lives -- including rescuing a hiker with head injuries during a severe snow storm and being a first responder to a rolled over 18-wheeler and entrapment, which saved a life.
The department has also managed an EF2 tornado incident which damaged two three-story barracks, warehouse and 22 cars at $3 million worth of damage, battled an out-of-control duplex fire that saved $175,000 worth of infrastructure and reduced property damage by 63 percent through its housing residence fire prevention awareness campaign.
Harrington was recognized as the commanding general's Team of Excellence Award Winner. His accomplishments included mitigating 1,567 incidents without serious fire injury, saving $3.4 million worth of government property, being the first on scene during a six-inch natural gas line break. In addition, he was able to isolate ignition sources, as well as coordinate a repair team that reduced the mission impact and oversaw crews during seven structural fires.
Stewart said Harrington's win was well deserved, as Harrington often times goes above and beyond the call of duty to accomplish goals.
"We're going to continue to do what we do," Stewart said about continuing on the department's trek to be the best they can.
Stewart said the department will continue to provide "outstanding first-class life-saving services," as well as work behind the scenes to support the entire Maneuver Center of Excellence community.
The department is currently competing at the Army level.