Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 30, 2014) - The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce recognized six Fort Belvoir first responders during a ceremony, Friday at the Mount Vernon Country Club.
The Fort Belvoir first responders were acknowledged along with first responders from the Fairfax County Police Department, Franconia Police Station and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
"Thank you all so much for your service," said Col. Michelle Mitchell, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, commander, to all of the recipients recognized at the dinner. "Thank you for your unwavering dedication, commitment and for what you do to support us and our Families."
Jeff C. McKay, Fairfax County supervisor for Lee District, said the ceremony was the most important event that the chamber hosts.
"They have a lot of events and a lot of worthy causes but nothing is more important than taking a moment of everyone's time to stop and say, 'Thank you,' to our first responders in Fairfax County," he said.
McKay said public safety officials have a calling and put their lives on the line for other people. People should also remember their Family members who also make sacrifices.
"A lot of times we forget that behind them is a strong Family of people who love them and allow them every day to go out and do that," he said. "They are making the same type of ultimate sacrifice to do that and they deserve to be recognized and they don't get recognized enough."
After 9/11, many people reflected on how to make their communities safer, he said.
"Many of us did different things," McKay said. "For me, I decided to join our sheriff's office in Fairfax County."
He said it was one of the top decisions he made in his life. He thanked first responders for what they do.
People might think they know what first responders do from watching television, McKay said, but unless you've actually put your life on the line for someone else, it's hard to understand what it's actually like. As a result, first responders have the respect of the community.
Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairwoman, thanked those being honored at the dinner for their service to their communities.
Bulova recalled a recent experience when she was having a meeting at Fairfax Hospital.
"You all were there … responding to the Ebola scare, which turned out -- fortunately -- to be a scare," she said. "We had a lot of public safety equipment there. The police were there, fire and rescue, ambulances and I remember thinking how happy and proud I was of our public safety individuals, who were there to keep us safe. You never know what the danger is going to be. Is it going to be terrorism? Is it going to be a traffic accident? Is it going to be a health crisis? But you were there and I would like to just say thank you. When other people are fleeing, when other people are afraid -- you're responding and what would we do if we did not have … the kind of public safety capabilities that we have."
Mitchell said the dinner was an excellent example of the great relationship Fort Belvoir has with the Mount Vernon-Lee District.
In the past, emergency personnel from each area have assisted each other in some way, she said.
"When we can come together and recognize both your individuals and the individuals on Fort Belvoir, it's an awesome opportunity," Mitchell said. "We're just glad that you all have included us.
We have a relationship that represents mutual sharing and mutual benefits as we share our resources."
She thanked Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce for hosting the dinner.
"We (at Fort Belvoir) just want to say thank you all so much," Mitchell said. "Thank you for recognizing the invaluable contributions of each of the individuals honored here."
The following Fort Belvoir first responders were recognized:
-Fort Belvoir Firefighter of the Year: Scott Wolff
Wolff began his Fort Belvoir career in 2004 and has been assigned to the Fire and Emergency Operations Division. Wolff currently works out of the headquarters fire station on North Post. He consistently strives to improve service delivery and his exceptional leadership ability has routinely required him to perform in the absence of a station officer. Wolff is responsible for training CPR to the Directorate of Emergency Services and he has reached out to tenant organizations to enhance the installation's readiness. This includes: Maintaining training requirements, schedules and coordinating all logistical efforts. His professionalism and devotion to the community he serves is displayed as a Fire and Emergency Services employee.
-Fort Belvoir Firefighter Medic: Erin Eusanio
She started her career with the DeWitt Army Hospital as a paramedic in 2003. Since 2008, she has been assigned to the Fire and Emergency Operations Division. Eusanio currently works out of the Fort Belvoir North Fire Station near Springfield. She consistently strives to improve service delivery and is a member of the Department of Defense Workgroup tasked with the development of a Pre-Hospital Patient Care Policy that will be implemented throughout the Department of Defense. As part of this project, she co-chairs a subgroup in developing EMS specific awards for provider recognition. As an additional duty, Eusanio administers the department's Emergency Medical Recertification program. This includes: Developing training curriculums, training schedules and coordinating all recertifications with the operations medical director. Eusanio's dedication and devotion to the success of the organization has not only earned her the respect of her coworkers, but the respect of leadership.
-Fort Belvoir Police Department's Military Police of the Year: Sgt. David M. Payamps
Payamps' professionalism and dedication to duty sets the standards for all MPs on Fort Belvoir to emulate. He is eager to not only learn, but share his experiences with others to facilitate a better prepared shift to serve the 27,000 Soldiers, Families, Department of Defense employees and retirees that live, work and play on Fort Belvoir. Payamps' many accomplishments include responding to traffic accidents, domestic disturbances, larcenies and he works closely with Watch Commanders in identifying target speed enforcement areas to enhance the safety of the post and community. His leadership abilities over subordinates enable the smooth operation of shift responsibilities while limiting the amount of discrepancies found in case work and ticketing. Payamps' ability, knowledge and competency are a great asset to the Fort Belvoir Police Station and the community he serves.
-Fort Belvoir Department of the Army Security Guard of the Year: Officer Tracey Dunko
Dunko serves as a security guard who performs access control. He is responsible for the protection of government personnel, property and technologies encompassing Fort Belvoir. As a security guard and lead officer, Dunko takes his job seriously when it comes to keeping the installation safe for all patrons. He pays attention to detail and is very diligent when it comes to evaluating and monitoring personnel entering the installation. He exercises great tact and courtesy while being firm as he performs his duties.
On May 26, Dunko came in contact with a driver who could not produce a driver's license as he was attempting to enter the installation. Dunko had the driver and all occupants exit the vehicle for a vehicle inspection. During the inspection, Dunko found a bag of unidentified substance believed to be marijuana. Dunko stopped the inspection immediately and detained the occupants until law enforcement arrived. Upon arrival, the DACP/Military Police apprehended the subjects and searched the occupants where another bag of unknown pills was found.
Dunko also used his communication skills to converse with a driver who was under the influence, keeping the driver occupied and stationary while alerting a fellow officer to contact the authorities. This led to the apprehension of the driver by authorities for operating a vehicle under the influence and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver's license. His due diligence, attention to detail and sound work ethic was paramount in taking impaired drivers off the streets of Fort Belvoir.
Dunko is always available and willing to work. He has never received any complaints and is known for his sound judgment. He has been instrumental in keeping the installation safe and sending a message to that he is indeed the first line of defense.
-Fort Belvoir Civilian Police Officer of the Year: Officer Frank Sims
Sims is one of the most dependable officers in the department. His dedication to duty and professionalism has earned him the respect of his fellow officers and his superiors alike. He continues to be one of the most proactive members of the force. Since Jan. 1, he has responded to more than 3,760 calls for service and has issued more than 400 citations. Due to Sims "can do" attitude and expertise in traffic accident investigations, he was hand selected as one of three civilian police officers assigned to the Traffic Investigations Unit. Additionally, Sims was nominated for Fort Belvoir Motor Division and will attend the Law Enforcement Motor Course sponsored by the Spotsylvania Sherriff's Office later this year.
On Dec. 21, 2013, a six-year-old girl under significant mental distress was reported missing from the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Emergency Room. The young girl was lost for more than five hours, but Sims remained vigilant and continued to search. After an extensive search of the Fort Belvoir Military Reservation, his dogged persistence paid off. Sims located the young girl unharmed and in good health, in an adjacent neighborhood approximately three miles from the hospital.
Sims unwavering commitment to duty and his compassion for the Soldiers and civilians living and working on Fort Belvoir exemplifies what a great asset he is to the installation and the U.S. Army.
-Fort Belvoir Police Department Detective of the Year: Detective Heidi L. Flick
Flick served as the team leader of the Fort Belvoir Law Enforcement Investigations for six years, acting as second-in-charge to the Chief of Investigations. During the extended absence of the chief, Flick served as the acting chief of investigations ensuring steady case progression, training and development of those personnel assigned to the office and consistently maintaining a solve rate of at least 20 percent above the national solve rate.
She successfully planned, coordinated and led dignitary protection in conjunction with the U.S. Secret Service in support of nine visits by the president of the U.S to Fort Belvoir. Her dedication and contributions have been recognized by the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Detail.
Flick was selected to represent the Fort Belvoir installation as the primary member and coordinator with the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. Additionally, Flick has sought out to join and further educate herself by reaching out to Shared Hope International to participate in the Juvenile Sex Trafficking Conference in Washington, D.C.
Flick continues to go beyond her duties of investigations by reaching out and supporting the Fort Belvoir community through being a member of the Sexual Assault Review Board, which reviews cases of sexual assaults and ensures a successful recovery and continued support through the judicial process. She is also a member of the Case Review Committee, which reviews cases of domestic violence, child abuse and child neglect. She has spent time educating children at Fort Belvoir Elementary School on cyber bullying and the effects of bullying.
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