Liberty Warriors win big with safety awards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Congratulations to the following Liberty organizations and individuals on their recent recognitions for excellence from the 48th Fighter Wing Environmental Environmental Safety and Occupation Health Committee:

Senior Airman Phillip Hernandez, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle and equipment maintenance journeyman, won the 48th Fighter Wing Safety Award for his actions when he encountered a vehicle fire.

Airman Hernandez's actions limited the spread of the fire while protecting two semi trucks valued at $200,000 and a mobile maintenance truck valued at $40,000. He noticed smoke coming from the battery compartment of the mobile maintenance vehicle while trying to jumpstart a vehicle outside of building 1010. He immediately ran inside the building and returned with a fire extinguisher. Because of Airman Hernandez's quick reaction, the damage was only estimated at $100.

Master Sgt. Robert Waldorf, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems superintendant, won the Safety Special Achievement Award for procuring proper safety equipment for his unit.

Sergeant Waldorf secured funds to purchase cotton airmen battle uniforms for his personnel. His efforts provided vital safety clothing for more than 50 personnel in the squadron. These personnel are also required to have arc-flash protective gear when the situation warrants. The sergeant worked diligently to ensure nine personnel tasked to deploy were outfitted with this life-saving safety gear before leaving.

Airman 1st Class Matthew Browning, 48th CES heating, ventilation and air conditioning apprentice, won the Individual Ground Safety Award for several safety contributions to the wing and his unit.

Airman Browning contributed to a flawless HVAC safety record by assisting the safety manager on guidance of "101 Critical Days of Summer". He fully participated in all safety briefs and asserted risk management assessments for all mechanical- and electrical-related repairs.

The 48th CES Electrical Shop won the Unit Safety Award for flawless execution of vital safety inspections on electrical systems throughout the base.

Shop personnel conducted more than 90 tests and inspections on electrical systems, including the Protective Aircraft Shelter Weapon Storage Security System electric and lightning protection systems. These systems are vital to the protection of the lives of hundreds of Liberty Warriors.

The 48th LRS won the Commander's Trophy for their exceptional risk management at all levels.

The unit emphasized risk management in all tasks by briefing safety through the use of poems, slides and personal intercommunications. They continually stayed in contact with wing safety, ensuring U.S. and U.K. safety standards were always met.