Team Barksdale firefighter recognized

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A member of Team Barksdale proved to be "best of the best" following his selection recently from a pool of thousands of competitors as the top civilian firefighter in the Air Force.

Jessie Fletcher, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, was named the 2011 Air Force Civilian Firefighter of the Year.

"It was a huge surprise," said Fletcher, who was notified of the award May 21. "I knew my package was submitted, but I didn't think I was going to be chosen."

Fletcher was automatically entered into the competition after being named Air Force Global Strike Command 2011 Civilian Firefighter of the Year.

"We are very excited with this year's selections," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Walsh, AFGSC Installations and Mission Support directorate. "The competition was once again very close and we extend our deepest appreciation to all those nominated."

Fletcher serves as a driver operator and is also the principal technician for all hazardous material responses. He also provides CPR and self-aid buddy care training to military personnel in the unit.

Among several other notable actions, Fletcher selflessly responded to a fire on the East Reservation while off-duty, helping fellow firefighters gain control of the blaze.

Fletcher served four years on active duty here as a firefighter before being honorably discharged. He returned to work as a civilian and, after serving eight months as an emergency dispatcher, he was hired as a fire protection driver operator.

The award was one of several awarded as part of the 17th annual AF Civil Engineer Fire Emergency Services Awards. Winners will be recognized during a ceremony Aug. 2, and also forwarded to compete at the Department of Defense level. The DoD awards banquet is scheduled for Aug. 3 in Denver, Colo.