RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Fire Emergency Services' deputy chief was recently selected for the 2006 annual Air Education and Training Command's Fire Officer of the Year award for his outstanding performance.
Master Sgt. Christopher Horsman, 12th Civil Engineer Division, was selected for the award in recognition of his superior job performance and outstanding contributions to the fire service, with specific focus on duty-related fire and emergency services programs.
Sergeant Horsman came to Randolph from Aviano Air Base, Italy in May 2006, and took over as the interim fire chief in October. He held that position until a new fire chief was hired last month.
"I feel very fortunate in my year here at Randolph to have been given the opportunity to excel, and have had the good fortune to work with a lot of outstanding individuals," Sergeant Horsman said. "I attribute my success to all the hard work everyone here in the firehouse puts in each day, and the solid foundation the previous fire chief put in place before me."
Sergeant Horsman's accomplishments include being selected as the 12th Mission Support Group's Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2006, and honored as the 12th CED Military Superintendent of the Year.
"He is an exceptional leader, and leads his troops by example," said Richard Trevino, 12th CED director. "There are few professions which garner greater public trust than the fire department, and that trust is because of individuals such as Sergeant Horsman."
"He has excelled as fire chief as a Master Sgt., which is a position normally filled by a chief, and hasn't missed a beat," said Mr. Trevino. "His preparedness and dedication to building an aggressive fire-prevention program has made Sergeant Horsman stand out among his peers."
As a military manager, Sergeant Horsman is charged with ensuring military and civilian personnel are trained and motivated for every response, because the next call could be the "real thing," Mr. Trevino said. He is rated as a master instructor, and has taught 26 multi-national firefighters egress procedures and enhanced wartime rescue operations.
According to his award nomination package, Sergeant Horsman led livefire training, and executed a mobility program for firefighters in preparation for deployment, which enhanced response capabilities by 95 percent.
He was also lauded for planning and executing a budget of more than $350,000, and managing a new $15,000 maintenance contract for facility and flight line extinguishers.
Sergeant Horsman was selected as the winner from all AETC bases with military firefighter components, and will compete for top honors among all fire chiefs Air Force-wide. The Air Force plans to announce the Air Force-level winner at the Fire Chief Convention in August.
"I have been nominated for this award before, and competition is always tough," Sergeant Horsman said. "It's a great honor to be recognized, but I couldn't have done it without my hard-working staff, and support from my boss."