Kirtland bids farewell to Fire Chief Stewart Published April 17, 2019 By Jim Fisher Kirtland PA KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Team Kirtland and the Kirtland Air Force Base Fire Department said goodbye to the Fire Chief April 16, 2019, as Darryl Stewart was showered with gifts and accolades in a ceremony at Fire Station 2 here. Stewart, who arrived at his post at Kirtland in March 2013, is now headed to be the installation fire chief at Fort Gordon, Ga. His six-plus years at Kirtland were distinguished earning him an Award for Meritorious Civilian Service. Numerous awards for the department were capped off with KAFBFD being named Air Force Global Strike Command’s Large Base Fire Department of the Year for 2018. The fire chief, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, was also instrumental in the stand-up of a paramedic non-firefighter transportation mission on Kirtland and an-house fire academy, which graduated seven new members of the KAFBFD last year, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jaime Jimenez. “I’ve known him for the 25 years we served together [including] in the Air Force. He’s a remarkable leader and one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” Jimenez said. “The chief will surely be missed.” Jimenez was joined by representatives from 377th Mission Support Group, Security Forces, EOD, the Logistics Readiness Squadron, who presented Stewart with gifts and gratitude. “Losing somebody like this is significant,” said Gary Schneider, MSG’s Chief of Civil Engineering. “But we know you have brought people up through the ranks and they will ensure this department will continue to succeed.” Stewart returned the sentiments, thanked his fellow firefighters, mission partners, and administration for helping to meet a “series of challenges.” “We are here to serve our community and save lives and protect property and that’s what we do extremely well. And I’m very proud to have been a part of that,” Stewart said.