CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune Fire and Emergency Services Division (FESD) has received the 2024 Marine Corps Large Fire Department of the Year award and the 2024 Marine Corps Fire Prevention Program award. These awards recognized the department’s commitment to safety, innovation and service to the Marines, Sailors, and civilians at MCB Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.
“This is a profound honor, a reflection of the collective effort and unwavering commitment of every single member within our department," said Alex Rivera, fire chief, MCB Camp Lejeune FESD. "It speaks to the sacrifices they make, the hours they put in, and their willingness to pick up the slack whenever and wherever needed.”
Winning both awards reflects the comprehensive approach MCB Camp Lejeune FESD takes to emergency services. The Fire Department of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance in all aspects of all-hazards emergency services. The Fire Prevention Program Award highlights excellence in proactive fire safety education, inspections, and enforcement activities aimed at reducing fire risks.
“Our department operates through a comprehensive framework of 11 Communities of Interest (COI), each focused on specific areas of community risk reduction and emergency services,” said Rivera. “These COIs manage 87 specialized programs designed to support 28 specific service scopes, contributing to the safety of the community and supporting II Marine Expeditionary Force and other missions.”
MCB Camp Lejeune FESD responded to more than 6,100 emergency incidents last year, which has increased with population growth and mission demands. The department conducted 3,200 fire inspections, 2,900 fire alarm inspections, 280 fire sprinkler inspections and 679 fire pump operational tests across 9,700 buildings and homes, encompassing 27 million square feet of space.
“Camp Lejeune is a massive installation, requiring an enormous and dedicated effort to ensure the safety and well-being of our community, which is no easy feat,” said Rivera, adding their success stems from critical partnerships with local first responders and other organizations on and off base.
FESD also supported more than 400 community education events and operated a car seat safety and installation program for thousands of Camp Lejeune-area residents.
The annual awards aim to promote best practices and continuous improvement within the Marine Corps fire service by highlighting successful programs and innovative approaches.
“The safety and security of our installation is a direct result of the professionalism and preparedness of our Fire and Emergency Services team,” said Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “These awards underscore the critical role they play in sustaining our operational readiness and protecting the lives and property of everyone who lives and works on Camp Lejeune. Their achievements reflect the highest standards of excellence in the Marine Corps and ensures our MEF can project combat power at the time and place of our nation’s choosing.”