Emergency manager top in AFMC

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Materiel Command emergency management officials recently announced the civilian Emergency Manager of the Year for "superior job performance and outstanding contributions to the Air Force's Emergency Management program."

Dave Bilodeau was selected as this year's winner from AFMC and will now move forward to compete at the Air Force level.

In an email to base personnel, the 66th Air Base Group commander recognized his many contributions to the emergency management flight.

"His superb performance resulted in exceptional contributions to Hanscom, AFMC, and the AF and makes him truly deserving of this recognition," wrote Col. Lester A. Weilacher.

The Air Force Emergency Management Awards annually recognize the most outstanding military and civilian emergency managers and provides the Air Force nomination for competition for respective awards with the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Bilodeau provides important support during emergency response operations involving a wide range of emergencies on base.

"Dave is responsible to the installation commander for planning, managing and ensuring execution of the Hanscom Air Force Base Emergency Management Program -- everyone on base plays a role, but in terms of importance, Dave has the most important role," said Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Group base civil engineer.

Bilodeau is credited with building the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight from scratch. He led the in-sourcing of flight personnel that resulted in a seamless transition with no mission impact.

"Dave is a retired Air Force military firefighter and he has extensive experience as an Air Force base maintenance contractor who was given a wide range of responsibilities over and above his emergency management duties," said Schluckebier. "He understands how the Air Force works and how to get things done in an efficient and organized manner."

During Tropical Storm Sandy in October 2012, Bilodeau led the base's response as the Emergency Operations Manager. In the storm's aftermath, he was responsible for the bed-down of Army personnel during the disaster response.

Applicants must demonstrate significant accomplishments, technical competence, leadership, initiative and resourcefulness, which is something Bilodeau has accomplished.

Bilodeau was credited with managing a large readiness training program with more than 80 classes attended by 600 personnel. The training program ensured base members were sufficiently prepared to respond to emergencies of every variety.

In addition, he managed the relocation of the EOC primary location as a result of a long-term construction project.

"When the pressure is on during a crisis, Dave is just the person you want managing the situation." said Randy Robertson, Emergency Operations Center director. "His ability to keep operations moving smoothly in the EOC is a testament to his leadership and skill as an emergency manager, so it's not surprising at all that he won this award."

Bilodeau will now move on to compete at the Air Force level.