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    JB MDL Bids Farewell to Legacy Fireman

    JB MDL Bids Farewell to Legacy Fireman

    Photo By Senior Airman Sergio Avalos | Leonard Dotson, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron fire captain, celebrates 36 years of...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES

    09.29.2023

    Story by Senior Airman Sergio Avalos 

    Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

    JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – After nearly four decades of unwavering dedication and selfless service, Capt. Leonard Dotson Jr., a distinguished firefighter at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career. His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of courage and commitment that has left an indelible mark on the JB MDL community.

    Dotson began his firefighting journey at the Navy Lakehurst Fire Department in 1986, where he spent two years learning about aircraft rescue and firefighting. He later transferred to the Army Support Activity at Fort Dix, becoming a steadfast pillar of the base's firefighting team for the next 20 years.

    “My father and I were volunteer firefighters before working for the federal government,” Dotson said. “The ability to help serve my community is what inspired me to pursue and maintain a career as a firefighter for so long.”

    Firefighters often rely on each other as a second family, and Dotson was the heart of this close-knit community.

    "It's clear that Capt. Dotson sets a great example for all the firefighters [at JB MDL]," said John Courgis, 87th Civil Engineer Group assistant fire prevention chief. "He carries a wealth of knowledge and never hesitates to mentor younger Airmen and his co-workers."

    Along with the countless hours of work at JB MDL, Capt. Dotson was deployed for 10 days to the World Trade Center collapse site, along with countless hurricane disasters including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy.

    "Working for the federal government allowed me to obtain training that I would never have received anywhere else," Dotson said. "I carry with me the memories of countless fires fought, lives saved, Airmen mentored and challenges conquered."

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.29.2023
    Date Posted: 10.23.2023 08:00
    Story ID: 456293
    Location: JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY, US

    Web Views: 49
    Downloads: 0

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