Assistant fire chief wins Air Force-level GEICO award

  • Published
  • By Airman Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The assistant fire chief of the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight, recently won the Government Employee Insurance Company Military Public Service Award for fire prevention and safety at the Air Force level. 

His innovative approach to fire safety and prevention, along with years of experience, helped his award package make its way up through his squadron, wing, Air Force Space Command and Air Force level, according to Mr. Daniel Dodson, the deputy fire chief.
Mr. Gilmore has initiated numerous changes and improvements in the fire prevention arena. 

One of his most significant achievements has been the development and implementation of a home fire prevention and safety video disc that is compatible with home computers and most DVD players. This kind of disc is a first Air Force-wide. 

"I developed the new fire safety training for housing so residents can actually get the training they need to safely live in the home, at minimal cost to the Air Force," said Mr. Gilmore. "I developed a disc each housing occupant receives (when they accept base housing). They can put it in their DVD players and watch it at their own leisure." 

Not only do the discs make it easier for residents, they save the Air Force money, too.
They used to make VHS tapes which cost about $1.50 each, and passed out 600 to 700 of them a year. The video discs cost about 25 cents each, so savings have been substantial, he said. 

Additionally, Mr. Gilmore trained more than 100 people in 45 fire departments around the area on intercontinental ballistic missile fire protection techniques, requirements and hazards. He was also involved in the development of the first Missile Field Fire Response video and handbook, which are used at all three ICBM bases in the United States. 

Mr. Gilmore has taken measures to enhance safety at missile alert facilities as well, by developing a wild-land fire protection training program and kit.
He also approved the design and ensured the installation of a 5,000-gallon emergency water supply tank at each MAF. 

"Malmstrom has a very impressive fire prevention safety record," said Mr. Gilmore. "We have a very solid fire prevention office here and I've got great employees that work with me. I couldn't take credit for this award without them."
Mr. Dodson, the deputy fire chief, said he nominated Mr. Gilmore because of his impressive career and significant accomplishments. 

"It's great working with Mr. Gilmore," said Mr. Dodson. "He knows the business and he knows what he's doing. We wanted to recognize him for all that he has done in the past years." 

Mr. Gilmore said it might take months before the final GEICO award winner is announced. He hopes to be chosen, but he said it felt great to have been selected at this level, regardless. 

"I'm very proud of what I do and it is an honor to have been selected for this award and to have won at the Air Force level," said Mr. Gilmore.