Fort Belvoir’s outstanding Police and Firefighters were recognized at the 13th Annual Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce tribute, Nov. 20, at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria.
The annual event highlights the cooperative nature between Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir, and also provides installation leadership the opportunity to recognize leaders that stand out from the crowd.
Shane Crutcher, Chief, Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services, said these individuals were chosen based on their outstanding efforts over the past year.
“They have stepped up to engage in various programs that touch the entire agency. This has been a unique year, and has dealt us so many different challenges. These folks rose above that to make us better,” Crutcher said. “We recognize excellence to assure the team that the extra efforts do not go unnoticed.”
“It is important to recognize excellence, and team members excelling is validation that we truly have the best job in the world and that we are extremely fortunate to have such a high caliber workforce serving Fort Belvoir,” said Kevin Good, deputy fire chief.
“I’d like to reiterate our gratitude for the support of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce continuing this splendid - and important – recognition,” said Frank Hentschel, director, Fort Belvoir Department of Emergency Services. “These ceremonies are a great morale builder for the members of our Department of Emergency Services. I’ve been part of them for about 10 years, and it means a lot.”
Mark Murray, President of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce emceed the event, which was conducted in small groups to accommodate the more restrictive COVID-19 safety protocols.
Fort Belvoir had seven leaders recognized at the event
Adam Tutor, Fort Belvoir Firefighter of the Year
Tutor served the Army for 12 years, and has spearheaded a variety of innovative ways to inventory and forecast lifecycle sustainment of complex technical equipment that will save the Army thousands of dollars. His vision and commitment have increased the service capability for Fort Belvoir helping it become the premier Fire and Emergency Services Division in the Department of Defense.
Gregory Wyatt, Security Guard of the Year
Wyatt’s technical competence and working knowledge of the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) resulted in the prevention of unauthorized personnel entering Fort Belvoir on Mid-Shift.
Wyatt has contributed his time motivating team members to be physically fit and excel. His willingness to spearhead initiatives while excelling in his daily duties exhibits his commitment to mission and the characteristics of an exemplary Force Protection Officer.
Carl Ray, Firefighter/Medic of the Year
Ray has recently volunteered in numerous areas within the fire department that are greatly depended upon by the Command Staff, his company officers, and all of his peers. He is planning to become the Division’s future accreditation manager and is deeply involved in developing and providing guidance for policies and procedures to improve on the progression of the Fort Belvoir Fire Department.
Lt. Steven Kinchen, Army Police Supervisor of the Year
Kinchen and his squad consistently provide superior community policing in 14 Garrison neighborhoods. He provides valuable input to the Command Staff in the deployment of services.
When not serving as Watch Commander, Kinchen further supports the Fort Belvoir by serving on multiple interview panels in order to help select the best candidates for filling positions in the Physical Security Division.
Capt. Donald Wanamaker, Fire Officer of the Year
Wanamaker is the program lead for 110 personnel though the Total Force Virtual Learning Center, where he is committed to complex initiatives that better the department. His dedication to ensure personnel are obtaining required training, and his inspirational talent at fostering advanced training for personnel are an example of his ability to professionally develop the team into outstanding public servants.
Jermaine Winston, Army Police Officer of the Year
Winston is committed to keeping the Patrol Division and Security Division informed with information about all types of calls for services, and routinely volunteers to assist at the gates. Winston leads from the front by filling in as Patrol Supervisor when the need arises.
Young officers and soldiers gravitate to him for sound advice and mentorship. He has been instrumental in procurement recommendations for new equipment. Officer Winston also gives a lot of his personal time to direct the service, repair, and maintenance of his squad’s vehicles. His self-confidence and enthusiasm to help his department is insurmountable.
Lt. Marlon Walker, Security Supervisor of the Year
Walker guarantees all six Access Control Points are properly manned in order to support the 75,000+ buses, commercial and visitor vehicles entering the installation daily are vetted prior to access.
Walker facilitated a smooth opening of the Army Museum by training personnel, and getting the museum up to speed for opening. His achievements and leadership continues to improve morale and reflects distinct credit upon himself, the Directorate of Emergency Services, the United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir and the United States Army.
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