FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 7, 2013) -- Motivation to set the standard helped push one local Soldier to become the best in Installation Management Command.
Staff Sergeant Jerry Adamson, 6th Military Police Detachment, was selected as IMCOM's Fire and Emergency Services Military Fire Officer of the Year for 2012.
"I'm very proud of this recognition," said Adamson. "I was very excited when I first found out because this is a rare award, so me being recognized for it, not only from the IMCOM-level but throughout the Army, it boosts me up a little bit."
Some of Adamson's accomplishments include: responding to a TH-67 helicopter crash, during which he established effective scene safety resulting in zero fatalities or injuries; being hand-selected over senior staff sergeants to hold the position of military fire chief, a sergeant first class position and operating as military fire chief, during which he was responsible for five fire stations that saw significant increase in maintenance and upgrades.
Sgt. 1st Class Tommy Norris, 6th MP Detachment and NCOIC for the fire department, said he was happy to see one of his own get the recognition that he deserved.
"I'm as happy as can be for him and I'm absolutely proud of him," he said. "I'm proud that he is one of my Soldiers."
Adamson said the recognition has been great and knowing that he is part of an elite few gives him a sense of overwhelming pride, but that's not why he does what he does.
"This is something that just kind of happened," he said. "I just want to make sure I'm doing my job to the best of my ability and make sure I'm hitting the right steps."
He said his first priority in any situation is the safety of the people involved.
"When responding to an emergency, like the TH-67 crash, the first thing I think about is the pilot's safety," said Adamson. "I think of what I can do to save the pilot if something is wrong -- life-safety is the first thing that runs through my mind."
In situations like that is when training kicks in and takes over, he said.
"It's all about muscle memory and remembering my training because it all builds from those basic steps. Also, making sure your crew is properly trained," said Adamson. "Being a fire officer, not only do you have to roll, you have to make sure those guys are doing the right things."
Although receiving the award shows that he has proven himself, Adamson credits his chain of command and said he hasn't always been ahead of the game.
"When I first came here, I was behind on a lot of my certifications," he said. "It was kind of a slap in the face because being a staff sergeant, I had specialists that were certified higher than me.
"When we're in uniform and in garrison, of course I was in charge, but when we came out here to the field, that guy who is overqualified was the guy that was running the show," he continued. "It was pretty embarrassing, and if anything sparked something in me, it was that."
Now, Adamson is not only certified up to standard, he's certified beyond his grade, higher than some senior NCOs, he said.
Adamson, who's currently on his fourth duty station, said he strives to set himself apart as the standout guy, which is what helped him achieve the recognition of Military Fire Officer of the Year.
He said although he was humbled when he first arrived, he had to try and fix what needed to be fixed to get back on top -- advice he would share with other Soldiers in his position.
"Don't fight the regulation," he said. "You have to know how to follow to be able to lead. The NCOs that are above you aren't trying to hold anyone back; they are looking out for your good so you won't be in the situation that I was in."
He also advises Soldiers get their certifications as early as possible. They are self-based and self-paced courses that can be completed in a matter a weeks, according to Adamson.
"There's unlimited potential there -- I'm proof of that," he said. "For me, it took that one time for a first sergeant to put me in my place, and that motivated me to strive. If you get knocked down, the best you can do is dust yourself off and pick yourself up again."
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