MacDill Fire Prevention team wins AMC, Air Force awards Published Sept. 10, 2010 By Nick Stubbs 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "Prevention is key," when it comes to fire, and it seems fire prevention education, particularly a program for children, was the key to MacDill's fire prevention team winning the Air Force award for top prevention program in 2010. The award, along with the Air Mobility Command award that preceded it, put MacDill's fire department in the running for the DoD award announced last week. The home team got the news that it fell short in the DoD competition, but is riding high on the twin Air Force awards, both firsts for the 6th Air Mobility Wing. What got the judges' attention? "We have a really good program, particularly when it comes to working with kids," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Pina, one of three fire inspectors who run the MacDill program. The fire prevention crew often stages exhibits and learning events, on base and off. Tinker Elementary School, the Child Development Center and several schools in the Tampa community have been treated to displays of equipment and information on how to prevent fires. The department also hosts tours on base from visiting children. "That may have been a factor in being picked," said Sergeant Pina of the AMC and Air Force awards. "It (winning) was a surprise; it's been a year of hard work, and while you put in the time, you don't really think about it winning you anything." But it did, and the fire department will be keeping up the work heading into 2011. "We're committed," said Sergeant Pina. "Vigilance is everything." The fire prevention team consists of Sergeant Pina, Todd Bute, and Master Sgt. Byron Beasley. Their primary job is to conduct fire inspections of new and existing buildings on base. Visits can be quarterly, twice a year or annual. In each case the buildings are inspected to ensure they meet code, and residents or building workers are interviewed to reveal possible safety issues. "It's a very thorough process," said Sergeant Pina. In addition to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, the inspection team also handles all buildings on base, including U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command. To keep up the tradition of excellence the fire prevention office is hard at work planning for its "Super Bowl" event of the year. Each year the president of the United States dedicates the first week of October as Fire Prevention Week. More information on events and schedules will published in the MacDill Thunderbolt soon.