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# San Joaquin’s Watkins selected as Defense Logistics Agency Fire Service Instructor of the Year

By Annette Silva

                TRACY, Calif.   –              
Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention and Training Gregory Neal Watkins Jr. of Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management San Joaquin, Security and Emergency Services, Fire Department, was selected as the 2022 DLA Fire Service Instructor of the Year.

Watkins is outstanding in his job in the instruction and training arena. He served as the lead planner for a full scale county-wide mass casualty incident exercise with the Altamont Corridor Express train derailment and incorporated a chemical drill for the installation’s police force. This mega event was conducted over four days with seven external agencies, 132 personnel and four train cars. This type of training is beneficial in the case of a real-world event for the installation and county first responders to work in unison. 

He has program development at the forefront. Watkins conducted classes for facility maintenance contracting officer’s representatives staff and engineers on Unified Facilities Criteria Inspection Testing Maintenance task requirements. This directly resulted in a new $350,000 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fire protection assessment project.

Further, to enhance crew safety, Watkins incorporated a fire training area which was completed as a part of a $1.9 million installation paving project.

Training always on his mind, he developed a presentation about site resources, unique hazards, and fire system features. He hosted a training event to raise awareness for recent mutual aid fire academy graduates.

Further, he identified a need for training on the battery electric vehicle tractor trailer. He contacted the manufacturer, took photos and created a presentation illustrating procedures and hazards for first responders.

Watkins was lauded by the county rail commission, mutual aid partners, utilities providers and a chemical production facility for creating innovative opportunities to achieve training requirements.

Watkins shines both on and off duty. He worked with the DLA Installation Management San Joaquin site director, Child Development Center staff and fire operations crew with the addition of Sparky the Fire Dog for Emergency Medical Services week at the CDC. He led the setup of apparatus and props before class performances for 34 children.

Watkins understand the meaning of supporting our warfighters. He is currently serving as a chief master sgt. in the U.S. Air Force in his 22nd year of service to his country. His current billet is senior enlisted leader for the C5 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Travis Air Force Base. He enjoys volunteering in his community serving as a baseball coach for three teams and assisted a soccer travel team by rendering aid for injuries.

“Assistant Chief Watkins exemplifies the model firefighter through his consistent efforts to perform his duties above all expectations,” said Jonathan Mathews, DLA Installation Management San Joaquin Site Director. “He is dedicated and contributes immensely to the success of DLA’s mission and is deserving of this prestigious award.”

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