HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Safety officials recently named a 66th Medical Squadron noncommissioned officer as the Team Hanscom Unit Safety Representative of the Year during a meeting held last month.
Staff Sgt. Brandon Harp, a biomedical equipment technician with 66 MDS, received the award for his contributions to safety and mission readiness.
“Sergeant Harp has ensured the safety and well-being of everyone in the clinic,” said Shaun Bassett, 66th Air Base Group occupational safety manager. “His ability to identify risks and implement practical solutions has had an impact on the entire installation.”
According to squadron officials, Harp, who joined the Air Force in 2016, demonstrated his commitment to safety during the Ready Eagle II exercise this past summer. He ensured a safe training environment for more than 150 MDS personnel.
“Sergeant Harp went above and beyond in ensuring a safe and effective training environment,” said Tech. Sgt. Erick Bartels, 66th Medical Squadron Medical Logistics Flight chief. “His forward-thinking approach and attention to detail were instrumental in the success of the exercise and our overall mission.”
Among the other achievements highlighted in his award nomination, Harp responded to a fire emergency involving the dental clinic’s steam sterilizer. He quickly de-energized the equipment, mitigating the threat and ensuring the safety of MDS staff.
Harp then worked with contractors to complete repairs within 24 hours, avoiding a loss to critical medical equipment.
In addition, Harp spearheaded a continuous process improvement initiative to streamline safety training requirements for the clinic. He standardized training across eight sections and incorporated it into the in-processing checklist for new staff, reducing administrative workload and increasing reporting accuracy.
Harp also overhauled the unit safety program, coordinating with 14 section leads to achieve a 42% increase in training completion rates. He corrected 28 discrepancies identified during the annual installation inspection, surpassing the 90% compliance standard.
“Sergeant Harp’s proactive measures and leadership have not only strengthened our safety protocols but have also set a new benchmark for excellence,” Bartels said.
Harp credited the support of his team and leadership.
“This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of the entire safety program,” he said. “Safety is about preventing issues before they arise. It’s an honor to play a part in ensuring the well-being of our personnel and the success of our mission.”