February 21, 2020
US Sailor wins Navy Region Europe, Africa and Central Command Fire Officer of the Year Three Times.
By MC2 Josh Coté, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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t’s not every day that a Sailor gets recognition for the hard work and dedication that they put towards their job. For Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Mark Alexander, from Enterprise, Ala., this is not the case having been nominated and winning the Navy Region Europe, Africa and Central Command Fire Officer of the Year, for the third time since 2017. Alexander is assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services. The department consists of a diverse group of people, including U.S. civilians, local nationals and ABHs. This joint group trains and works together to help keep Sigonella safe from fire and other emergencies. “I run the information management programs for the station,” said Alexander. “I’m also the records and instructions publications librarian, as well as the assistant training officer. When I’m actually on the fire trucks, I’m qualified as a fire officer as well as a structural captain.” Alexander’s show of dedication to his job and the Navy over the past 11 years is more than just hard work, it is a legacy. “I joined the Navy mostly for family tradition,” explains Alexander. “I come from a very strong Navy family.” Working with such a diverse group of people can sometimes make it difficult to stand out to the leadership, but Alexander’s relentless work ethic enables his notoriety. “Petty Officer Alexander has distinguished himself as
an exemplary sailor both personally and professionally,” said Thomas Middleton Jr., Assistant Chief of Training of NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services. “He has garnered the respect and support of those he leads, as well as those he supports. His outstanding sustained performance has ensured the successful completion of Fire and Emergency Services and command missions this year and throughout his tour at NAS Sigonella.” Having a supportive chain of command backing him and a job that is meaningful makes coming to work and getting the job done an awarding experience for Alexander. “It was good to know that I had the opportunity to compete because of my department,” said Alexander. “Because of how well they have supported me with all my qualifications while I was here.” After winning the regional award, Alexander advances in the competition to the Navy level and if he wins, he will go up against all other branches of the military for Department of Defense (DOD) Fire Officer of the Year. “It’s an honor and a privilege to know that this job is one where I have the opportunity, on any given day, to save a life,” said Alexander. “We don’t just provide fire fighting services, we also provided some limited medical services as well as helping support the hospital’s ambulance crews. It’s not something to look forward too but there is a good chance when we go out and do our job that it is the worst day of someone else’s life, and hopefully we can be there to make it right.”
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