Firefighter receives recognition from local community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Staff Sgt. Dennis Cameron, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, received the 2007 Firefighter of the Year award, presented by the Exchange Club of Great Falls. 

Sergeant Cameron was nominated due to his superior performance and extensive community service, said Daniel Dodson, 341st CES deputy fire chief. 

While he is currently the fire protection supervisor at Malmstrom fire station, Sergeant Cameron had the opportunity to perform many duties in fire services both at Malmstrom and overseas. 

"I got to perform duties of lead fire inspector while in Iraq; be the NCOIC of the fire department 911 dispatch center; and work as a crew chief and as a fill-in station captain," he said. "While I was in Iraq I identified more than 500 fire-safety deficiencies in our area and supervised the correction of them which helped improve the quality of life and create a safer working and living environment," he said. "Once returning to work here at Malmstrom, I was able to be part of the transition from civilian dispatchers to military in the 911 center. I also have had the chance to work as a crew chief on the fire truck teaching and leading the new Airmen." 

In Iraq, this firefighter also spent his off-duty time transporting injured warriors to advanced care centers, which eased the burden on deployed medical staff and let them concentrate on direct patient care. 

Being the first year a firefighter from Malmstrom has received this award, Sergeant Cameron said this award was a great honor. 

Sergeant Cameron's service also extends beyond the firehouse, as he was selected as a member of the Air Force's Tops in Blue team. Tops in Blue is the Air Force's traveling group of entertainers. They provide entertainment to bases in the United States as well as in deployed locations and overseas bases. 

"Sergeant Cameron's efforts in Tops in Blue were critical in showcasing the Air Force to the general public," Mr. Dodson said. "He worked consecutive 12- to 18-hour days, driving, setting up, performing and tearing down. His leadership was responsible for saving 240 man hours in show preparations and directing personnel operating complex staging equipment where he was credited with improving show quality by 90 percent with zero mishaps." 

Sergeant Cameron's accomplishments from the stage to the sand make him an outstanding choice as firefighter of the year. 

"Sergeant Cameron is considered an individual who exemplifies the quality of personnel needed to carry Air Force and Malmstrom Air Force Base fire protection into the future," Mr. Dodson said. "He epitomizes the motto 'Service before Self' and is a mission-dedicated, self-motivated team leader."