Airman presented local Fireman of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob M. Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Master Sgt. Jared Dudden, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief for training, was presented with the 2018 Fireman of the Year award by Exchange Club of Great Falls.

"[Dudden] was presented the award for his superior performance as station captain and extensive community service," said Master Sgt. Christopher Mills, 341st CES fire chief.

The award is given to the most deserving fireman between Malmstrom Air Force Base, the 120th Airlift Wing and the Great Falls Fire Rescue.

Dudden felt honored to represent the fire department and the community with this award, but said he owed a lot of credit to his peers.

"There is no way I would've won this award if it wasn't for my fellow firefighters," said Dudden. "The guys I work with show a dedication every day to this career field and the people we serve."

Dudden was recognized as the fire department and squadron Non-Commissioned Officer of the year in 2018. He was also named NCO of the Quarter for the wing for the third quarter of 2017.

Dudden's leadership said it was an easy decision to nominate him for this award.

Dudden exemplifies the quality of personnel needed to carry the Air Force and Malmstrom Fire Emergency Services into the future,” said Mills. “He epitomizes the core values and is a mission-dedicated, self-motivated team leader."

Dudden's accomplishments include being part of the initial response to a 52-acre grass fire on base. His team was instrumental in saving a 200-acre adjacent wheat field, 15 horses and the base's stables.

Dudden's selfless acts have not been restricted to Malmstrom.
While off-duty, Dudden was the first on the scene to provide aide to a heart attack victim. His quick and professional actions were praised by the emergency room doctor and the patient.

"As ambassadors of the Air Force, our service shouldn’t stop at our gates,” said Dudden. "We should give back and show the importance of what our military does, not only on a national or international level, but on a local level as well."