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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Combat Center Fire Department Chief Marcelino Ryan was the winner of the prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefighters Award, May 30, 2025.
Ryan competed against thousands of other firefighters all over the U.S. to earn the award which recognizes firefighters for their outstanding contributions. The award is part of the VFW National Awards for Public Servants and includes awards for emergency medical technicians, law enforcement, public safety emergency dispatchers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians.
“It is significant as it allows for national recognition of heroism and professional excellence, promotes community awareness of public safety workers, and allows for community engagement with the VFW,” said Ryan. “The award strengthens the connection between the VFW and public servants as veterans and public servants share the same morals and values.”
Ryan won the award due to his commitment to his career, a career that has seen him move through the ranks of firefighter to fire chief. It also reflects his commitment to the community that he serves.
"Marc has a moral character beyond reproach and is always bending over backwards for others,” said Earl Childs, a longtime friend of Ryan and member of the VFW. “He is highly deserving of this award.”
Childs nominated Ryan because of his character and work ethic. Childs added Ryan is always willing to help people, and he does that by giving back to his community, which he has been a part of since his father was first stationed here in 1994.
Ryan grew up on the installation and eventually in the community of Twentynine Palms as a teenager, planting his roots in the desert oasis. Ryan met his wife and started a family in Twentynine Palms.
“As a leader of the Combat Center Fire Department I feel that I have a duty to dedicate myself to all the members of the CCFD and to make sure that they have every opportunity and tools needed to be successful, whether that is here at the CCFD or as they move onto another agency,” said Ryan. “Lastly, I have a responsibility to the leaders of this installation. I have to make sure that everyone on this installation can be successful, as well, by providing fire and EMS Services to make sure that the mission of the installation continues.”
Ryan has always wanted to help people. His original goal was to be in the medical field but when he received his EMT certification in 2002 and started working on an ambulance, he knew that he wanted to be the first in the field.
“To me this award means that I am doing the right thing, that I am moving the CCFD forward, that the success of those I lead is being recognized, and the CCFD is excelling in meeting the demands of the installation and surrounding community in Fire and EMS,” said Ryan.
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| Date Taken: | 08.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 15:20 |
| Story ID: | 548477 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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