Ground Safety Award of Distinction - Safety Salutes - Brief Article

T Sgt. Kevin Duffy prior to a 31st Combat Communications Squadron field training exercise, expertly packaged 750 gallons of diesel fuel for air mobility and road transportation. Later, at the deployed location, he inspected all generator connections and ensured all facilities were properly grounded prior to applying power. During the setup of the Wing Operations Center, a half-gallon of fuel was spilled inside the tent while a tent heater was being replaced. Duffy quickly responded to the fuel spill and took immediate action to remove the fuel. He also ensured the tent was adequately ventilated so toxic vapors would not accumulate. His quick actions prevented significant personal injury and eliminated a fire hazard. Duffy then conducted frequent fire inspections of each facility throughout the remainder of the exercise. He concentrated on placement and serviceability of fire extinguishers near each mobile generator and ensured proper operation of tent heaters by deployed personnel. After the exercise, Sgt. Du ffy learned of a safety incident that occurred in another squadron when an internal power supply short-circuited, causing damage when power was applied. Duffy conducted an investigation and determined the cause was due to a reversal of the neutral wiring and the C-phase power. Recognizing a potential problem, Duffy immediately inspected the squadron's 10 remaining power distribution boxes; the inspection revealed no other wiring deficiencies. Sgt. Duffy's initiative has improved the squadron's overall safety awareness associated with deployment operations