CAMP HUMPHREYS. Korea - Two U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys firefighters recently won top individual prizes in the Installation Management Command Pacific Region competition.
Ko, Pyong-son was named Best Civilian Fire Officer and Choe, Chong-pil the Best Firefighter.
The Humphreys Fire Department also was named the Best Medium Fire Department in the Pacific Region and won for the Best Fire Prevention Program
The awards came after a thorough evaluation of the department, the services it provides and its crew performance.
Fire Chief Gilbert Lozano, who arrived at Humphreys about six months ago, said he was pleased the department was recognized.
"It's a great honor to win the award. I think it is the result of trusting each of the team members," Lozano said, "Mr. Ko and Mr. Choe are excellent in everything, even things above beyond their duty. They are truly deserving this award."
The fire department has a history of winning awards--it earned Best Medium Fire Department in 2010.
Ko, the Best Civilian Fire Officer said the awards came because of teamwork and effort.
"It is an honor to be recognized twice as the Best Medium Fire Department. It is not the result of doing it alone, but the result of all the efforts of the team members, Ko said."
As a fire officer, Ko is responsible for management, maintenance, training, personnel management, command and dispatch.
"It is a great honor to be selected among many competitors. It is not my own award, I am very grateful to everyone who supported me. It took everyone's cooperation. I couldn't have achieved this award without co-workers support," he said.
Firefighter of the Year Choe is a driver operator. His main job is to drive the fire engine, deliver firefighters to the scene, maintain equipment and to supply water. He accepts an award with great humility.
"I was just focused on doing the day-to-day work as one of my team. I just have been doing my job having proud of myself, Choe said."
Choe remembered an incident where a child lost consciousness--it made a major impression on him and shows how much he cares about his job and the people he serves.
"I think that the purpose of the fire fighter is to protect citizens' life and property. When I rescued an unconscious child, I continued to worry about him even after work." Choe said. "But when the child came to say thanks after the accident, I felt a great deal of satisfaction about this job."
Ko noted that as Camp Humphreys grows, so too do the fire department's responsibilities.
"As you all know, USAG Humphreys is getting bigger. That means our responsibility also should be getting bigger than before.' Assistant Chief Ko said. "There are many people at USAG Humphreys such as Soldiers, Soldiers' families, Civilians and workers. I want to protect their life and property."
That shouldn't be a problem. As the results of the recent competition showed through their initiative and leadership they will continue to provide top-notch service and support to the community.
Related Links:
The official web page of U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys
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