Osan fire station 'best in the AF'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Station here was recently named "Best in The Air Force" - placing its personnel among the "best of the best." 

Though Master Sgt. Matthew McQuaig, superintendent of operations, said he put in their package knowing it was good enough to win, they were still in shock to find out they actually had won - especially with so much competition. 

"I am honestly speechless," he said. "This is truly incredible and it definitely wasn't a one person thing. This is a first for my career; I am ecstatic to get recognition for the efforts us and the guys before us have put in." 

Sergeant McQuaig attributes the station's success to the group's dynamics. 

"Osan is really unique because we rotate different guys in and out every 365 (days) so you have people coming together from all over," he said. "It's a melting pot of different experiences, practices and backgrounds."

Sergeant McQuaig said that while the constant rotations could appear to be a bad thing on the surface, they actually help keep things around the station fresh - which directly affects mission success. 

"At other bases, you're with the same people longer," he said. "You're going to work every day and doing the same things with the same people and it can get mundane. When you fall into that 'routine' complacency starts to happen, but not here. Here, you're with the guys a shorter amount of time and keeps ideas new and fresh. We're able to constantly develop new programs." 

The Airmen agree. 

"This is the best group of guys I've ever worked with," said Senior Airman Don Roque, also a fire rescueman with the 51st CES. "Everyone is professional, knowledgeable and able to get the job done. We're a family, and it feels good to be the best in the Air Force. The best means ... no one can compare to us." 

However, in just their small amount of time in the Air Force, the Airmen have learned not to take for granted the "fire family" Osan was able to create. 

"Once you've been in different fire departments and seen how much it takes to really come together, it gives you a new respect for what we were able to accomplish here," said Senior Airman Steven Tharrington, a fire rescueman from the 51st CES. "It's more than just, 'hey we're at work now let's do the job.' When we come to work, we don't know what's going to happen that day, it really takes trust to do that ... and we were able to come together here." 

Airman Tharrington said when he hears the fire deputy talk about having been in the military 18 years and having never received this award, it makes it that much more special to him to know that he and the rest of his team were able to achieve something so huge so early in their careers. 

"It instills a sense of pride when I think about being a part of something like this," he said. "It makes you pick your head up and hold yourself to a higher standard." 

Though the station is still basking in the glory of achieving such a major accomplishment, having only received the award from Col. Thomas Deale, the 51st Fighter Wing commander, March 10, the crew is already looking toward the future. 

Sergeant McQuaig said they are already working toward next year's award.