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| U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Weaver, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection station chief, and his wife, Courtney, receive the American Legion’s Georgia firefighter of the year award from Thomas Nash, American Legion state commander, June 25, 2016, in Duluth, Ga. Weaver’s served in various leadership positions to include fire protection station chief, rescue air mobility squad team member, training manager, mobility manager and education advisor for 27 Personnel. (courtesy photo) |
By Airman Daniel Snider
23rd Wing Public Affairs / Published July 18, 2016
Moody Air Force Base, Ga. --- An Airman assigned here was awarded American Legion’s 2015-16 Georgia Firefighter of the Year Award, June 25, in Duluth, Ga.
While more than 250 firefighters across Georgia were nominated by their leadership, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Weaver, 23d Civil Engineering Squadron fire protection station chief, stood out among the competition and took home the title.
The award is designed to recognize well-rounded firefighters who have exceeded duty requirements while also exemplifying the virtues of professionalism, dedication and a distinct pattern of community service to their local area, state or nation.
“It’s pretty amazing,” said Weaver. “I never thought that an accomplishment like that would be bestowed upon me. I just come to work every day, try to do my best at my job, and try to take care of the people I manage at the fire department.”
While Weaver remains humble, his accomplishments speak loudly.
As a technical sergeant, Weaver was selected to be an assistant chief of operations, a master sergeant position, and he was also the first choice to serve time as an interim first sergeant for two units. Weaver accomplished this while also volunteering 217 hours to base and local community functions.
According to one representative from the American Legion, all these factors ensured Weaver to be worthy of this recognition.
“A couple of things set him apart,” said Larry Osheim, American Legion Otranto Post 115 senior vice commander. “He substitute teaches at school and is very involved with the community. He’s also very professional in his firefighting duties.”
In fact, his professionalism led him to taking on the role of technical training instructor, achieving 3,120 teaching hours and the title of technical training master instructor. After teaching, Weaver came to Moody to direct the activities of approximately 22 fire personnel with whom he shares the credit.
“Coming back to the fire department was kind of like being a new firefighter,” said Weaver. “I had to kind of learn everything over again. A lot of it was my supervisor Stacey Maples, 23d CES assistant fire chief. Without him and the guys that are on shift with me, some other firefighter somewhere would be getting the recognition.”
Weaver makes it clear that firefighting is a group effort and winning this award was a team accomplishment.
“My role here isn’t always putting the gear on, but being on the radio, commanding and working these moving parts,” said Weaver. “All the guys in my shift, who work and do the job, those guys bust their hump day in and day out.”
After winning the state level award, Weaver will compete against firefighters across the nation, as well as a few overseas.
