Grissom firefighters tops in command Published June 23, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Carl Berry 434 ARW Public Affairs staff GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom Fire Department's motto of "always ready, always capable" has helped them receive the Air Force Reserve Command Medium Fire Department of the Year award. A couple of the departments highlights for 2010 include successfully providing airway and rescue breathing to a 6-year-old girl who was injured in a two-car collision, and responding to an overturned semi-truck that had a hazardous material spill. "Everyone is really proud of the award; they feel they are one of the premier fire departments within Air Force Reserve Command," said John Ireland, Grissom Fire Department chief. "I am really proud of the guys -- they have done a lot of work and are deserving of the award." The fire department will now compete for the Department of Defense award for the medium-unit fire department of the year in August. The DOD award is a competition between all branches of the military and is intended to recognize a unit's heroism, devotion to service and skill. "The base should be proud, because this award is the result of good senior leadership and the support of the Grissom community," said Chief Ireland. The 434th ARW is the largest is KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
