Warren Fire Department named best in Air Force Published July 13, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- The Warren Fire Department received the Air Force Space Command Sanborn Award June 18. It earned the 2006 award for being the best small-base fire department in the Air Force which attest to the fire fighters dedication to the job and hard work they put into striving for perfection. "It takes a standard of excellence," said fire chief John McDougall. "It takes teamwork. It takes pride in being a great organization that does its job very well." The 34 military members and 21 civilians employed at the department know the award isn't given lightly. Constant training and a ready-for-improvement attitude are needed to achieve this goal. "It takes a team effort," McDougall said. "And from the bottom up, we have a wonderful team." The department is always manned to respond to many emergency calls from Warren and the surrounding area. It's important for the fire fighters to be prepared for anything. This type of preparation led to department receiving the award. "We just go about our daily routine," said Tech Sgt. John Wilhem Jr., fire station chief. "You don't think about winning awards or anything like that. You just do your job." The department won the award in 2004, as well. "It's the rule that you can't be selected for this award two years in a row," said fire chief McDougall. "But Warren has now won [in 2004 and 2006]. I think that says something about our department." As a result of winning the Sanborn Award, Warren will compete for the Department of Defense best fire department award. Warren Fire Department representatives are traveling to Atlanta Aug. 19 for a banquet and the announcement of the winner. "When you're fortunate to win these kinds of awards it's great," McDougall said. "But if you don't win, it doesn't mean you're anything less. We'll continue striving to become better than we are. We'll always compete for these awards." With active involvement with Cheyenne and the local counties, and the constant training these firefighters undergo, the chances of winning the next AFSPC Sanborn Award are high. "I see no reason why we can't win it again next time," Sergeant Wilhem said.