Courtesy Photo | Gil Chavez (center), Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) and Navy Region Korea (CNRK) fire...... read more read more
As a world traveler, you might feel like you hit the proverbial jackpot in life when your career and passion take you to far-flung corners of the globe for almost your entire career.
Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) and Navy Region Korea (CNRK) Fire Chief Gil Chavez has experienced that exact feeling for 30 of a 32-year career as a firefighter.
"From as young as I can remember, I always dreamed of becoming a firefighter and traveling the world," said Chavez, a Riverside, Calif., native. "I’ve achieved that dream through my service in the United States Navy."
Enlisting in the Navy in April 1993, Chavez began his lifelong service in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (ABH), whose duties included crash rescue, firefighting, and aircraft recovery. He served on three ships – USS Independence (CV 62), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the USS Boxer (LHD-4) – and traveled the world early in his career. Subsequent Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) assignments in Rota, Spain, and Souda Bay, Crete, elevated his travel passion while he continued to excel in firefighting, culminating in the highlight of his career: Winning the Department of the Navy (DON) Military Fire Officer of the Year award four consecutive times from 2007 to 2010 while stationed in Spain.
"Being nominated and recognized as the Navy's top Fire Officer in front of my peers, friends, and family was an honor that validated my lifelong ambition,” he said. “These awards also validated my career principles: Mastering the fundamentals of firefighting and managing Fire Programs are key. Come to work ready to contribute and learn.”
Retiring from active duty as an ABH Chief in 2013, Chavez continued his service as a federal firefighter. His civilian career has taken him from Spain to Bahrain to Japan, before settling in Chinhae, South Korea. "Each assignment has added depth to my leadership and fire protection expertise," he reflected. "This international experience with host nations has enriched my career tremendously."
In 2023, he assumed his current dual role as the senior F&ES officer and program manager, providing expert guidance on all F&ES matters in the region. "I develop policy, provide technical direction, and allocate resources for the regional and installation commanders," explained Chavez, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Under his leadership, the single-engine fire station at CFAC maintains the same high standards as larger agencies worldwide, according to Chavez. Manning challenges were swiftly addressed, and the scope of services was appropriately delivered, resulting in a budget increase that significantly enhanced operational readiness as well as the department’s passing the critical Regional Assist Visit, he said.
Looking ahead, Chavez aims to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to guide CFAC Fire Department toward accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. "This accreditation is a mark of excellence, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement and high standards in fire and emergency services," he said. "Only about 18 fire departments in the Navy have achieved this, and I want CFAC F&ES to be among them."
While his career has been filled with professional accomplishments, Chavez acknowledges the personal sacrifices that come with serving in the Navy. He credits his wife, Miriam, for her unwavering support throughout their 23 years of marriage. "Miriam is the glue that holds our family together," he said. "She has been instrumental in supporting us through various duty stations and career demands."
Family is at the heart of Chavez’s journey, and his pride extends beyond his own achievements. "My wife and I met in Spain. We have four sons and a granddaughter. Two of our sons are following in my footsteps: one serving as an Air Force firefighter and another training at the Department of Defense Fire Academy as a U.S. Marine," he beamed proudly. "I look forward to the day when we may serve together in the same Fire House. Then my dream of becoming a firefighter and traveling the world will not only come true but also evolve into something even more meaningful: leading a legacy of service, protecting others, and inspiring the next generation of firefighters in my family.”
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2024 18:03 |
| Story ID: | 481582 |
| Location: | KR |
| Hometown: | RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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