Air Force firefighters honored by DOD officials

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Elmore
  • Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency
CHICAGO (AFNS) --  Airmen took home more than half of the trophies presented at this year's Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services Awards ceremony Aug. 27 in Chicago.

DOD nominees are submitted from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Defense Logistics Agency consisting of more than 20,000 firefighters and 651 fire departments.

There are 10 DOD-level awards with only one winner selected in each category except for the Heroism award. Firefighters selected as the Heroism award winners (individual or team) from each branch of service are honored equally as DOD winners. This year's winner of the DOD Heroism award from the Air Force is Tech. Sgt. Jayme Scammahorn, from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

While deployed to Southwest Asia, Sergeant Scammahorn led a small convoy through a checkpoint where shots were fired striking his vehicle and the one directly behind him. The driver of the second vehicle was struck in the eye. Sergeant Scammahorn proceeded through an open area with no weapon, body armor, or cover fire to protect and save the life of a wounded firefighter. He dragged his wounded comrade to a short concrete barrier out of the line of fire and requested immediate fire team support and a medical response. Sergeant Scammahorn persevered through hyperthermia to care for his teammate on the ground, in the ambulance and in the emergency room.

This year, Air Force officials renamed their Firefighter Heroism Award to the Robert A. McAllister Firefighter Heroism Award in honor of the most decorated firefighter in Air Force history. This award, given to Sergeant Scammahorn, annually recognizes individual acts of heroism above and beyond the call of duty.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Robert A. McAllister served 28 years on active duty before starting a 22-year civilian career and rising to the rank of fire chief at Columbus AFB, Miss.

During his active-duty career, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Star medals (one with valor), 33 Air Medals, the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals and four Air Force Commendation Medals.

"It's fitting that this award is now named for Chief McAllister," said Donald Warner, the Air Force fire chief. "In addition to his many decorations, Bob McAllister represents the many fire protection heroes that emerged during Vietnam and haven't been recognized. He was a proven hero. His actions demonstrated his willingness to risk all to save another."

Senior Airman Jessica Morehouse from the U.S. Air Force Academy Fire Department, Colo., is this year's DOD Military Firefighter of the Year. A nominee for the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year Award and promoted to senior airman six months early, she demonstrated flawless pre-hospital care at more than 100 medical emergencies (i.e., heart attack victim, multiple injury vehicle accident). She also provided rapid response to a significant hazardous materials fuel spill, preventing contamination of the storm water drainage system; and prepared three fire stations for environmental compliance inspections resulting in a 100 percent adherence rating with zero findings.

DOD firefighters also honored in August:
--Civilian Firefighter of the Year: Golden Barrett, of Hill AFB, Utah
--Military Fire Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Orona (recently retired), of Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
--Small Fire Department of the Year: F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
--Medium Fire Department of the Year: Vandenberg AFB, Calif.