HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials recently announced that the 66th Civil Engineering Division earned top honors across three categories at the Air Force Materiel Command level.
The awards reflect the division’s outstanding fire emergency response, infrastructure sustainment and enlisted dorm quality-of-life initiatives.
“Our CE team has done a tremendous job this year and these accolades reflect great credit upon their efforts,” said Col. Jorge Jimenez, 66th Air Base Group commander.
Fire Emergency Services received the AFMC Fire Department of the Year in the small category for emergency response performance, public outreach and innovation.
The 44-member team responded to 312 emergencies, providing protection for Team Hanscom and support to four neighboring towns.
“Our fire fighters are true professionals, whether responding on base or to one of our surrounding communities, there dedication and professionalism are unmatched,” said Dave Wong, CED base civil engineer.
Fire crews were among the first on scene last year during a four-alarm wildfire in Bedford, Massachusetts, establishing water supply lines and protecting a nearby industrial area. The team also confined a structural fire in privatized base housing to its point of origin.
In addition to emergency operations, the department completed 180 life-safety inspections across the installation and five geographically separated locations, reducing deficiencies by 33 percent compared to 2024.
“Prevention is just as critical as response,” Wong said. “By identifying and correcting hazards early, we reduce risk to our community and protect the mission.”
George Bennett, CED heavy repair shop chief, received the Outstanding Civilian Senior Manager award for his leadership maintaining full operational output despite a 25 percent staffing reduction.
“George prioritized the most critical requirements and found innovative ways to cross-train his team, ensuring we never missed a beat,” Wong said.
Despite losing 13 positions, Bennett’s team completed more than 550 carpentry tasks and all assigned preventative maintenance requirements. He also directed snow removal during four major storm events without a single 2025 base closure or delayed opening.
During a government shutdown, Bennett led civil engineer response efforts to mitigate facility damage from a steam leak, preventing mold growth and safeguarding workspaces.
Michael Nickerson, Jr., CED enlisted dorm manager, earned the Outstanding Airman Dorm Leader award for improving living conditions and strengthening community within unaccompanied housing.
Nickerson oversaw radon mitigation and room renovations, relocating residents as needed and ensuring safe and habitable spaces.
Additionally, he coordinated dorm-wide cleaning initiatives and resolved critical data management issues, restoring accountability and improving quality of life.
“Mike’s focus has always been resident safety and morale,” Wong said. “From facility upgrades to community events, he’s created an environment where our enlisted Airmen feel supported.”
Nickerson also secured end-of-year funding for dorm furnishings and implemented safety improvements, including a dryer vent cleaning initiative across 18 dorm clusters to enhance air quality and reduce fire risk.
In addition to the three top honors, Michael A. Savoie, CED HVAC shop supervisor, and David Bilodeau, installation emergency manager, received recognition as runners-up in their respective award categories.