Fort Bragg’s Fire Department Recognized for Being the Best in the Army

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fort Bragg’s Fire Department has been selected winner of the Department of the Army annual Fire and Emergency Service Awards for 2012. The team consists of more than 160 firefighters who won two awards: one for the best large fire department and the other for the top fire prevention program.

“We are the busiest fire department in the Department of Defense,” said Mark Melvin, Fort Bragg’s Fire chief, whose team supports the installation and surrounding communities. “Our personnel are very dedicated to their jobs and strive to maintain our high level of efficiency. We lead the way in fire prevention as we are committed in giving 100 percent plus in service to our Soldiers, their Families, and the civilian workforce.”

Each year the Department of Defense recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of fire departments, firefighters and heroes through the annual Fire and Emergency Services Awards program, said Melvin who oversees personnel at 8 fire stations.

“It is a very humbling experience to receive these awards while it is also very gratifying to know that your hard work and efforts are being noticed,” said Melvin. “It was a team effort where all members of our department directly contributed toward us winning this award.”

Fort Bragg’s Fire Department responded to 8,787 incidents that generated 17,957 vehicle responses, including 67 reportable fires. The team also responded to 472 mutual aid calls, supporting 10 agreements with adjacent cities and counties.

Melvin said his team has done a phenomenal job in providing facility inspections, multiphase construction project plan examinations ensuring building and life safety code compliance through field examination for 3,337 facilities consisting of 49.1 million square feet in six counties. Firefighters conducted 2,342 life safety inspections and 178 fire protection and suppression system acceptance tests, ensuring for full protection of our population, Melvin said.

Fort Bragg’s Fire Prevention Program includes conducting annual fire safety & prevention day fairs and fire safety & prevention training to personnel on post and maintaining a highly effective Unit Fire Marshal Program where 984 personnel have been certified.

In addition to the Army awards, Fort Bragg’s Fire Department also received recognition from North Carolina for the team’s efforts in 2012. Fort Bragg Firefighter Stephen Fox received the N.C. Child Safety Seat Technician of the Year Award and Melvin was selected as the N.C. Fire Chief of the Year for 2013.