SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing Safety office recently implemented an award program to recognize individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the safety of the community.
According to Lt. Col. Shaun Bellamy, 52nd FW chief of safety, the “Chainbreaker” Award – named for the “breaker” of the chain of events that often leads to a mishap – honors those who advance the Saber safety culture and highlights their contribution to the mission.
“The Chainbreaker Award criteria focuses on improving safety but nominees don't have to be a part of the unit safety team to win,” Bellamy said. “This award is open to anyone. Individuals can be nominated for a variety of reasons, ranging from developing safety program initiatives to making a one-time save.”
Bellamy recognized the first Chainbreaker Award recipient, Staff Sgt. Alexander Scott, 52nd Security Forces Squadron armory noncommissioned officer in charge, in a small ceremony Jan. 26. Scott contributes to the safety of more than 200 individuals in the SFS building by ensuring anyone who handles explosives and firearms does so properly and is current on their required training.
Scott’s knowledge of the explosives training program has contributed to him being a sought-after subject matter expert in the career field, and he has coordinated with multiple agencies outside the 52nd SFS on weapons safety procedures. For him, the Chainbreaker Award allows him to emphasize to his Airmen that the work they do doesn’t go unnoticed.
“It’s really awesome, being able to say I’m the first to receive this award,” Scott said after being surprised with the recognition. “A lot of my Airmen help me out, and it’s cool to be able to show them that the recognition is there.”
The Chainbreaker Award isn’t given on any kind of recurring cycle. Rather, it’s to be awarded whenever the actions of an individual warrant it.
“Safety is a continuous responsibility and recognizing contributions to safety should be too,” Bellamy said.
Nominations for the award can be made through the 52nd FW Safety office, and may be submitted by any person other than the nominee. Additionally, a nominee cannot have contributed to an unsafe situation, which they then amended, in consideration for the award.
For more information or to nominate an individual for the Chainbreaker Award, contact the Safety office at DSN 452-7233 or commercial 06565617233. A complete list of criteria can be accessed at https://portal.usafe.af.mil/sites/52FW/SE/PublishingImages/SitePages/Home/Chainbreaker%20Safety%20Award%20ROE.pdf from a government computer.