Robins Airman selected as top firefighter of the year

  • Published
  • By Amanda Creel
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito from the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron here has been named the Air Force Military Fire Officer of the Year. He will represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense level.

Sergeant Ricchuito learned about the honor when Robins Fire Chief Donald Striejewske entered a meeting Sergeant Ricchuito was attending and made the announcement.

Chief Striejewske described Sergeant Ricchuito as a great role model for other Airmen and civilians who work with Robins Fire and Emergency Services. He credits Sergeant Ricchuito with turning the Robins training program around and as a key team member helping the base earn the Chief Master Sgt. Ralph E. Sanborn Award for best Fire and Emergency Services in Air Force Materiel Command.

Sergeant Ricchuito is a motivated, energetic, and outstanding leader, said Lt. Col. Steve Keller, commander of the 778th CES.

"Although he has only been here one and one-half years, Sergeant Ricchuito has made a drastic impact in the fire department, increasing the safety of our firefighters and increasing fire protection across the installation," Colonel Keller said. "His leadership has inspired the Airmen in his flight, improving morale and instilling discipline and pride in his Airmen."

The Air Force award caps off a year in which Sergeant Ricchuito was selected for promotion to senior master sergeant, earned a nomination for the Geico Fire Prevention and Safety Award and was named AFMC's senior noncommissioned officer of the year.

Sergeant Ricchuito said the firefighting award was special because the recognition comes from his peers, from fellow firefighters.

"I do things because they need to be done and it's nice to know that I got recognized for doing things for the right reasons," he said.

Sergeant Ricchuito's selection for promotion means Robins won't have him for long.

"With his promotion, he was selected to (make a permanent change of station to a base in Southwest Asia) as the installation fire chief," said Colonel Keller. "Based on his previous performance, I am sure he will perform well as fire chief."

Sergeant Ricchuito will receive the Air Force award while attending the Department of Defense Fire Rescue International Fire Chief's conference in Atlanta, Aug. 20-25.

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