Fire department named best in command Published April 25, 2008 By Senior Airman Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Grissom's fire department recently received the 2007 Chief Master Sergeant Ralph E. Sanborn Award, as the best fire department in the Air Force Reserve Command. The annual award honors Chief Master Sgt. Ralph E. Sanborn, who dedicated his 44-year career from 1943 to 1987 improving the Air Force fire protection capabilities. The award is given to the Fire Protection Flight that achieves the highest degree of excellence in base mission support and fire protection management. Not only does the Grissom fire department offer services on base but also to the surrounding areas outside of the base. "During the first quarter of 2008 the department has provided services to 173 calls off base and 37 calls on base," said John Ireland, acting fire chief. The department has a dual a dispatch with the Pipe Creek, accepting calls as far south as the Miami/Howard county line and as far north as the Wabash river. "Grissom's fire department is very professional and we have an excellent working relationship with the department," said Gary Flook, a volunteer fire fighter for Pipe Creek township fire department. We rely on their services, especially their first responders for providing medical care since our department does not have those types of services, said Mr. Flook. Grissom is the closest fire department to Eagles Pointe, a subdivision bordering the base, and are often the first to respond to emergencies in the area.
