Offutt FIre Department Award

From left to right, Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander, presents David Eblin, 55th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department chief, David Andrews, 55th CES FD fire inspector and William Dudek, 55th CES FD fire prevention assistant chief, with the Team Superior Performer Award Sept. 25, 2015. The team was given the award by the Inspector General following the most recent Unit Effectiveness Inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff Gates/Released)

Offutt Fire Department wins IG award

Published Oct. 23, 2015
By Senior Airman Rachel Hammes
55th Wing Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Offutt Fire Emergency Services Fire Prevention Office was honored with the Team Superior Performer Award by the Inspector General in a ceremony here September 25.

The award was given in recognition of their performance during the recent Unit Effectiveness Inspection.

The Inspector General reported the team "has a robust education program that capitalizes on the use of technology" to promote its effectiveness, using multiple platforms to reach the maximum amount of wing personnel possible.

David Eblin, 55th CES Fire Department chief, said the award is well deserved.

"Even though their section is two personnel short, they still manage to be creative and accomplish the mission," he said.

Eblin also said William Dudek, the assistant chief of fire prevention at the fire department, is largely responsible for the award.

"Bill is an individual who doesn't require follow-up," he said. "When he is given a job, you know it will always be accomplished to the best of his abilities. He is a creative thinker who comes up with innovative means in which to spread the fire prevention safety message."

William Dudek credits the award to an overall group effort.

This award validates all the hard work the firefighters do every day and is an example of the high standards the fire department holds itself to, he added.

"We conduct our business routinely, day in and day out," he said.