Academy firefighters win DOD awards

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) --  Two Air Force Academy firefighters received Department of Defense awards during the Defense Fire and Emergency Services Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago Aug. 27.

Senior Airman Jessica Morehouse was named the 2009 DOD military firefighter of the year, and Deputy Fire Chief Ken Helgerson received the 2010 Ray Picard Award, which recognizes individual superior leadership and outstanding contribution.

"Every day, Academy firefighters provide phenomenal support to our big and busy Air Force Base," said 10th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Rick LoCastro. "Senior Airman Morehouse and Chief Helgerson are true superstars, and we are proud to see them get the recognition they so richly deserve, not only at the Air Force level but from the Department of Defense. They both truly exhibit the fanatical pride and superior performance we look for and get every day from our Air Force Academy team."

Airman Morehouse had previously won the 2009 Air Force military firefighter of the year award.

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International recognized Chief Helgerson for his commitment to quality improvement and involvement in developing the accreditation process, said Chief Randy Bruegman, the president of the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

"Ken is one who assumes a leadership role that is often not visible to others but has tremendous impact," Chief Bruegman said. "His ability to quietly articulate work behind the scenes and to build consensus have helped to make the CFAI and the accreditation process what it is today."

(Courtesy of U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs)