Fire Captain Robert Manz and Firefighter William Moorman, with Fire and Emergency services, were honored for their achievements during a ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, February 5.
Manz and Moorman were recognized for their outstanding efforts in areas such as training, system calibrations, technical expertise, and overall dedication to the department. Both were acknowledged by Fire Chief Ryan Tworek for their strong teamwork, as well as their individual contributions as firefighters.
“My family being here to see this accomplishment is awesome, and it gives them a sense of reason as to why I can’t always be at every holiday or special event,” said Manz.
Manz has earned recognition through numerous accomplishments and has been appointed Fire and Emergency Services Employee of the Quarter for two out of four quarters. One project that highlights his technical confidence is the Hazardous Materials Program. Manz has contributed through equipment calibration, sensor replacement, and Level A testing, efforts that have led the hazmat program aboard the base to be recognized by other military installations.
“Since the tragedy of 9/11, protocols for communication have greatly advanced through improved radios that we are now using at this installation,” Manz explained.
He has played a key role in the upgrade and utilization of the ELMR Tri-Band radios with 400, 800 and VHF frequencies, transitioning to P25 digital radios that offer improved clarity, range, and security.
“Instead of having three different systems of communication, the team is now down to one radio platform that can change frequencies from various locations such as the fire engine, dispatch, command centers, and on the firefighter themselves. This promotes a safer and more accurate form of communication and meets safety requirements,” Manz said. The seamless transition of communication systems is just one of his many accomplishments on base.
Moorman received the award for Civilian Firefighter of the Quarter and was also recognized for his contributions to the department. He has been acknowledged as the key subject matter expert in the Technical Rescue Program, for his creation of curriculum for Technical Rescue Awareness, and Operations JPRs, and for the countless hours of training he has completed that benefited the entire team.
“I am passionate about the technical rescue program and have felt a lot of freedom to create all the plans my team and I need to be successful,” Moorman said.
Alongside the Technical Rescue Program, Moorman has been heavily involved in Confined Space operations.
“We are excited to see how the technical rescue JPRs evolve throughout the year building on the knowledge and expertise Moorman has gained,” said Chief Tworek.
Success in high-stress environments such as emergency services requires a strong level of mental preparedness. Moorman has practiced martial arts, which have influenced his role as a firefighter through the problem-solving skills gained from jiu-jitsu.
“Jiu-jitsu has helped me focus on the things I am able to control, and that mindset has carried with me through the years and into my position now,” Moorman said.
His knowledge and expertise have helped both him and his team navigate programs such as technical rescue and various training initiatives, allowing the department to succeed collectively in its mission.