Photo By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Miller | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Calvin, 387th Air Expedition Squadron, assigned to the...... read more read more
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As Calvin sits at his desk, peering through wire-rimmed glasses at the inspection check-list for the third time, he knows one missed step can lead to the loss of someone’s life.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Calvin is an active duty firefighter stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina and currently assigned to the U.S. Army’s 35th Infantry Division as the chief fire inspector for the Levant.
His list of certifications is noteworthy and sets him apart from his peers. Calvin holds the highest nationally accredited Department of Defense Fire Inspector III certification with a Pro Board seal, Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor III and DOD Incident Commander.
“The work I put into obtaining these certifications allows me to be a better firefighter,” said Calvin. “The more knowledge and skills I have the better asset I become to serve my community.”
Calvin begins each day by reading emails to prioritize the work for his team. His number one concern is for the lives and safety of all personnel across nine forward operating bases in the Levant.
And he is meticulous to say the least. While conducting building inspections for fire code violations, he’s looking for indicators such as burned or exposed wires, charred electrical sockets and poorly maintained mechanical rooms.
“If someone were to die because of something that I could have prevented, it would be devastating,” said Calvin. “This job is more than inspecting buildings, it’s protecting my fellow service members whose families and friends expect them to come home safely.”
As Calvin finds deficiencies during a building inspection, he makes quick notes to reference later when he completes his reports.
“Accuracy, credibility and timeliness are the keys to success,” explained Calvin. “If these reports don’t reflect the true condition of the structure there is an unnecessary risk to lives and U.S. mission success.”
The reports are part of a larger process to ensure the necessary repairs are made quickly and to standard.
Calvin says he knew at a very young age his calling was to become a firefighter.
“Ever since I was about eight years old, I remember all the kids saying they wanted to be police officers or astronauts,” stated Calvin. “I wanted to be a firefighter, never anything else. I believe that’s what I was put here to do.”
During his time in the Middle East, Calvin’s efforts have earned him a wing level Individual Safety Award of Distinction and two Team Safety Awards of Distinction. In addition, his team was coined by the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron commander for their accomplishments.
Calvin also led the creation of an innovative three-tiered public education program.
“Prior to arriving in the Levant most forward operating bases were averaging two fires per month,” said Calvin. “One fire is too many, so I made it our goal to launch a new fire reduction safety program.”
Because of the program, only two small fires occurred within the region’s nine FOBs in five months.
Capt. Michael Hanson, 35th Inf. Div. safety officer, says none of these improvements would be possible without Calvin and his team.
“Calvin’s knowledge and expertise single-handedly contributed to the reduction of code violations in the Levant,” said Hanson. “His impact on fire safety has definitely saved lives.”
The Airman’s daily duties back home consists of assistant chief and station captain of operations at his fire department.
Calvin recalls a mentor who gave him advice when he was deciding to stay in the Air Force or leave after his initial enlistment was finished.
“Chief said to me, ‘find the moment when you’re not in the Air Force, but rather the Air Force is in you,’” said Calvin. “Those words helped shape my career, my life, and I will never forget them.”
“I constantly remind myself of the duty I have to be the best leader for my Airmen, the best husband and father to my family, and serve my community and country with honor. It’s a privilege I willingly step up to.”
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2017 04:37 |
| Story ID: | 259769 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Hometown: | SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Airman Aims High to Prevent Fires, by SSG Jeremy Miller, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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