Ramstein Airman named Firefighter of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Going above and beyond is what one firefighter at Ramstein set out to do at a young age. When he was a child, he knew he wanted to help people when he grew up. Knowing that he would win "Air Force Firefighter of the Year" was just a bonus that came along the way from helping the community. 

"My dream job was to work in search and rescue. This led me to pursue a career in the fire service. Firefighters perform various types of technical rescue and emergency medical services along with firefighting," said Senior Airman Andrew Gard, 835th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. 

Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, Airman Gard knew he wanted to be a part of something big. He first became certified as a firefighter in Texas in 2005 and advanced his career by joining the Air Force in November 2006. 

In April, Airman Gard was acknowledged for all of his hard work and dedication by earning the prestigious "Air Force Firefighter of the Year" award. At the same time, he learned that he would be going to Denver, Colo., in August to compete against other branches of service for the Department of Defense Firefighter of the Year award. 

"I couldn't believe it when I was notified about the award. This is the greatest honor I have ever received," said Airman Gard. "Being selected for an award is always a shinning moment but the most rewarding and memorable moments come from helping people, a job well done and interacting with the community, especially with children." 

For Airman Gard, there was not just one defining moment that allowed him to become one of the DOD's top firemen. "I would say it's the consistency of my performance and going above and beyond what is expected of me," he said. 

Going above and beyond has been a constant throughout his Air Force career. 

Airman Gard's performance has not gone unrecognized. Prior to this award he won the "U. S. Air Forces in Europe Firefighter of the Year" award," KMC Fire Department of the Year" and was named "Airman of the Quarter" for the first quarter in 2007. He was awarded at the squadron and group level and remains the fire department's only EMT-I of approximately 255 firefighters in the KMC. 

"I have completed the Air Force EMS Instructor Course, instructed numerous EMT-Basic/EMT-Basic refresher courses for the KMC Fire Department and earned an associate degree in fire science," said Airman Gard. 

He is fulfilling his childhood dreams of helping and rescuing people and their families. By having the same passion for his job as when he started is what sets him apart from everyone else. Not thinking he is an everyday hero, but excited to lend a helping hand to someone in need is why he is the "Air Force Firefighter of the Year."