Grand Forks AFB Airmen named best firefighter in state

Published May 4, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Warrior of the North was recently recognized by a national war time veterans' organization as the best firefighter in the state.

Master Sgt. Angus Adolpho, assistant chief of standards and evaluations from the Grand Forks Air Force Base Fire Department, was selected by the American Legion as the recipient of the 2013 North Dakota American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award.

The North Dakota American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding performance and contributions of a firefighter to the fire rescue career field as well his or her dedication to the community through philanthropic endeavors such as volunteerism, mentorship and citizenship.

Robert Greene, the commander of the Treumann-Webb-Phelps Post #6 of Grand Forks, nominated the 319th Civil Engineering Squadron senior NCO.

"I thought Master Sergeant Adolpho would be a perfect nominee for this award because of his dedication and self-sacrifice to his community and country," said Greene, who along with Rodney Kadlec, American Legion East Region vice commander North Dakota, witnessed Adolpho be presented the state-level award by the American Legion Department of North Dakota Commander Eugene Kachena, during a special presentation ceremony at Grand Forks AFB on April 30, 2014.

The award came as no surprise to some of the people who have worked alongside the native from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, who at the beginning of the year helped his unit prepare for a command readiness inspection, hosted a multi-agency national incident management course in February and volunteered for two huge undertakings in the middle of the winter holiday season.

"Master Sergeant Adolpho without a doubt is one of the most qualified firefighters in the Air Force," said Grand Forks Air Force Base Fire Department fire chief, Corey White.
During his 18 years of active-duty service thus far, Adolpho has filled multiple roles in the Air Force firefighter career field to include fire officer, communications officer, assistant chief of training, NCO in charge of logistics and assistant chief of operations. With the exception of Fire Inspector III, Adolpho holds all certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, a peer-driven, self-governing system that accredits both public fire service certification programs and higher education fire-related degree programs.

Adolpho has also earned an associate's degree in fire science from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, and he is in the process of completing his dissertation for his doctorate degree in information systems technology.

Although Adolpho's recent recognition is categorized an individual award he was quick to share the credit of his success with others.

"It's extremely humbling to receive this award; however, I would not have been this successful if it weren't for all of my brothers and sisters who have come through the firehouse," said Adolpho.

Adolpho also expressed deep appreciation for his family, especially for his wife Leilani, who in return expressed her own appreciation.

"We live about 30 miles from the base, so my husband spends a lot of time traveling to and from in addition to all the long hours he works at his job," said Mrs. Adolpho. "It's a sacrifice because sometimes our family wishes we could spend more time at home; however, it's a sacrifice I accepted as a military spouse because although I'm a citizen of New Zealand I see the great devotion and dedication my husband has for serving his country. I'm very happy and proud of my husband not just because I've see what he has done behind the scenes to make things better for this base and it's people, but because his work ethic sets a great example for our children."

Adolpho, a father of four children, actively participates in the Cub and Boy Scouts program with Pack/Troop 165. In the past year he helped four scouts meet the requirements to earn the highest level in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light Award. He and his children also volunteered with the Grand Forks Habitat for Humanity by donating more than 25 hours towards a low-income home project.

Adolpho has been stationed at Grand Forks AFB for six years, and he and his family will be moving later this year to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for his new assignment.
When asked what receiving this award near the end of his time at Grand Forks AFB means to him, Adolpho modestly responded by saying, "I think this award is a nice final touch on great chapter in my life. It's feels good to have someone pat you on the back and tell you that you did a good job."

Adolpho said that being presented the American Legion Award will form part of the collection of great memories he and his family created in North Dakota.

Adolpho will move on to compete in the same category for the American Legion award at the regional level. This is the second year in a row a firefighter from Grand Forks AFB has been selected for the same award by the American Legion. Tech. Sgt. Byron G. Ball won the award in 2012.

(Staff Sgt. Stephen Hjerstedt contributed to this story.)