MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Officer Jason Atkinson, from the 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) won the Air Force Security Forces Flight Level Civilian of the Year award, Dec. 14, 2016, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Atkinson is the officer in charge of the Emergency Services Team with the 6th SFS. The EST is the military equivalent to the civilian sector’s special weapons and tactics teams.
During the past year, he led 65 security and law enforcement experts and helped secure more than 250,000 Team MacDill personnel.
“One thing I’m proud of is hosting MacDill’s annual tactical training competition,” said Atkinson. “We bring eight to 10 SWAT teams from the local area for an all-day training event on base and help raise money for police officers in need.”
Atkinson has also trained with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He brought back the knowledge gained from the courses and shared with members of the EST and the 6th SFS.
“Training with the DHS, FBI and the local SWAT teams has opened a huge network for us,” said Atkinson. “I can call any of them for advice, and our comradery is beneficial to making our team the best it can be.”
The award was given to Atkinson, but to him, it was a team effort.
“This award is really a team effort; everyone on my team helped tremendously,” said Atkinson. “If it wasn’t for my commander and operations officer’s support, our team would not be as successful as it is.”
However, this isn’t the first time Atkinson has earned this award. In 2014, he had just established the EST at MacDill and built it from the ground up. This accomplishment helped him win during that period.
“Officer Atkinson is an awesome leader for us,” said Airman 1st Class Christopher Spina, an entry controller and member of the EST assigned to the 6th SFS. “The fact that he has earned this award twice just proves how amazing he is as an officer and as an Airman.”
With another Air Force-level award to display, Atkinson said he will continue to push to make his team better.
“In this day of growing threats it’s crucial that my team is on the leading edge of training and preparation,” said Atkinson. “If my team can confidently respond to a high-risk incident, then I know I’ve done my job.
“It truly is an honor working with these men and women every day, and I look forward to bringing home a team award this time next year.”