Creech civil servant named Air Force firefighter of the year

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kevin Milgram
  • 432nd Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  One Creech firefighter and emergency medical technician has set the Air Force standard for excellence and professionalism.

Mr. Bradley Myers was selected as the 2008 Air Force Civilian Firefighter of the Year, and he was honored at an Air Force Fire and Emergency Services luncheon in Dallas, Texas, Aug. 26.

Mr. Myers said winning this award means as much to the Creech Fire Department as it does to him.

"This recognition will put the Creech Fire Department on the map," said Mr. Myers. "These types of recognitions are especially significant for small units like ours."

Members of the Creech Fire Department respond to medical, hazardous materials and fire emergencies on and off base.

According to Mr. John Beauchamp, chief of the Creech Fire Department, Mr. Myers was selected as the best overall civilian firefighter on the basis of numerous distinctive accomplishments during the past year. 

As an extrication team leader, he saved the lives of two critically injured victims of a multivehicle accident. Mr. Myers also took charge of a fire laden with live ammunition and prevented potential fragmentation injuries by removing a victim and shielding bystanders.

Mr. Myers also provided outstanding community support and acted decisively during in-flight emergencies. 

He administered life-saving skills to a heart attack victim, preventing full cardiac arrest. He provided emergency medical care to a child with severe head trauma, a pregnant woman with life-threatening complications and a scalding water burn victim. In each case, Mr. Myers' quick actions saved lives and averted further damage to the victims. 

He also played a pivotal role in a joint firefighting effort which saved three local homes from a massive fire. 

As a fire crew chief during in-flight emergencies, including an A-10 Thunderbolt II engine fire, he prevented more than $16 million of damage to critical Air Force assets.

Chief Beauchamp said Mr. Myers' overall performance has been validated by his selection for this prestigious award and his recent promotion to lead firefighter after only six years at the Creech Fire Department.

"Brad is an experienced, battle-hardened firefighter who exerts such a positive influence throughout the department -- especially with the younger guys," said Chief Beauchamp. "I can think of no other person more deserving of this award in my entire 28-year fire service career."

Col. Pete Gersten, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said Mr. Myers' contributions in supporting the 432d's no-fail, 24-seven, 365 mission have been extraordinary.

"We are all very proud of Brad and all his accomplishments," said Colonel Gersten. "His exceptional efforts in protecting Creech, its personnel and the local community contribute greatly to the Hunters' vital operations."

Mr. Myers, a four-year, active-duty Air Force veteran and an eight-year civil servant, said this honor really belongs to every member of his unit.

"Winning this award wouldn't have been possible without my fellow professionals at the Creech Fire Department," said Mr. Myers.