CNIC Announces Navy Fire and Emergency Services Annual Awards

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) announced the winners of the Navy Annual Fire and Emergency Services Awards April 5.

Each year the Navy recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and honors fire departments and firefighters through the annual Navy Fire and Emergency Services awards Program.

"The winners of the 2012 Navy Fire and Emergency Services Annual Awards represent the best-of-the-best of brave men and women who put their own lives on the line 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of our Sailors, civilians and their families," said Vice Adm. William French, Commander Navy Installations Command. "I'm very proud of their achievements."

The CY12 Navy Fire and Emergency award winners are:

Large Fire Department of the Year- Navy Region Hawaii

Medium Fire Department of the Year - Naval Station Rota Fire & Emergency Services Department, Spain

Small Fire Department of the Year - Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae Fire & Emergency Services Department, Korea

Fire Prevention Program of the Year - Regional Fire & Emergency Services Navy Region Northwest

Military Fire Officer of the Year - Master Sergeant Essam Cordova of Andersen Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services Department, Guam

Civilian Fire Officer of the Year - Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Hubmer of Navy Region Japan Fire & Emergency Services Department

Military Firefighter of the Year - Technical Sergeant Arnold Castro of Joint Region Marianas, Andersen Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services Department, Guam

Civilian Firefighter of the Year - Mr. Masakazu Yara of Navy Region Japan Fire & Emergency Services Department

Fire Service Instructor of the Year - Mr. Shane Rayfield of the Naval Air Station Sigonella Fire & Emergency Services Department, Sicily

Navy Fire Chief of the Year - Fire Chief Glenn DeLaura of Navy Region Hawaii Fire & Emergency Services Department

Navy Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year- Mr. Thomas Middleton of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Fire & Emergency Services Department, Ga.

Additionally, firefighting teams from Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Submarine Base New London districts were recognized with the Navy Firefighter Heroism award for their actions during the May 23, 2012 fire aboard the nuclear submarine USS Miami (SSN 755).

"As far as I'm concerned, all members of our Fire and Emergency Services teams across the Navy installation enterprise are winners," said French. "We can sleep well at night knowing that our people are protected by true professionals, and I commend them for their commitment and sacrifice."

Navy Fire and Emergency Services is one of many CNIC services. CNIC manages over a 100 products and services for the Fleet, Fighter and Family ranging from Morale, Welfare and Recreation, to port operations and much more. For more information on CNIC visit www.cnic.navy.mil.>

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.