CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- The Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services Japan aboard Okinawa Marine installations was recently named the Marine Corps’ 2011 Large Fire Department of the Year.
The department, part of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, will compete against Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Logistics Agency and Coast Guard annual winners for selection as the Department of Defense Large Fire Department of the Year for 2011.
The department received the award for significant achievements and contributions in many categories, including customer service, innovativeness, firefighter health and safety initiatives.
“We received an e-mail while in Fuji from Headquarters Marine Corps informing us that we won,” said Scott Minakami, the department’s regional fire chief. “It was a great surprise, and we feel it is very well deserved.”
The award can be attributed to the hard work and preparation of each member in the department, according to Minakami.
“The department has made innovative strides in preparing our fire department personnel for every contingency, from fire and specialized rescues to hazardous material and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear responses,” said Minakami. “We strive to be prepared for any situation.”
The unit is very eager to learn and acquire new skills, said Hiroyuki Nakuchi, a firefighter with the department.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our skills and abilities,” said Nakuchi. “Progress never stops. We believe you should never be satisfied with your level of skill because you can always be better and stronger.”
It is a great feeling to be recognized after all the hard work, training and drills this past year, according to Katsuyoshi Shimabuku, a driver for the department.
“The fire department has a mission and we take it very seriously,” said Shimabuku. “Recognition is nice, but we would still strive to better ourselves even if there wasn’t an award.”
The department’s goal for the upcoming year is to continue improving and acquiring new skills and techniques while also trying to get the department accredited, said Minakami.
The accreditation validates the services provided based upon the needs of the area in which the department protects and serves, he added.
“Three of the fourteen fire departments within the Marine Corps are accredited,” said Minakami. “Our goal is to hopefully get accredited and be the first Marine Corps fire department overseas to be accredited.”