FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
One of the Defense Logistics Agency’s bravest is being recognized by the Defense Department.
Capt. John Fogg III with DLA Installation Management Susquehanna Fire and Emergency Services is the 2021 DOD Fire and Emergency Services Fire Service Instructor of the Year.
Fogg organized a 24-hour disaster preparedness exercise that tested the assets as well as the physical and mental strength of the region’s urban search-and-rescue firefighters.
The exercise simulated, “what would be our worst day of our careers, whether it was man-made and terroristic or a natural disaster like a tornado,” Fogg said.
“It has been extremely humbling to be awarded the DOD Fire Instructor of the Year,” Fogg said, adding that many of his colleagues, co-workers and supervisors from throughout his career have reached out to congratulate him.
Fogg also coordinated the contract for an on-site trench rescue course for which he developed the materials list, directed support crews and added eight new certified rescue technicians.
“I love instructing fire classes because I have a passion for the fire service, and every time I teach a class, it also helps me refine my own skills while also learning from people in the class,” Fogg said.
Outside of DLA, Fogg trains local and regional community firefighters. He deployed in 2021 with Pennsylvania Task Force One to provide urban search-and-rescue support for Hurricane Ida. Later that year, he responded – on his day off – to a building fire in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, where people were trapped inside.
“This is the first time in several years DLA has won at the DOD level, demonstrating the very high level of competition across all of DOD,” said Robert Montefour, DLA Installation Management’s Susquehanna site director.