Eglin IMA receives Air Force award Published Jan. 30, 2008 By Capt. Josie Stewart 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Senior Master Sgt. Emery R. Talbert, Jr, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Superintendent and Individual Mobilization Augmentee, is regarded as a model firefighter and leader. The Air Force recently recognized Sergeant Talbert by awarding him the 2007 Air Force Civil Engineer, Air Reserve Component SNCO Manager of the Year Award. "Sergeant Talbert has been a tremendous asset to the Eglin Fire Department as an IMA for a number of years and I'm very glad to see that he has been recognized as one of the best in the IMA business," said Major Edward D. Treanor, 96th CES Commander. Sergeant Talbert expressed surprise when notified of the award. In his more than 30 years as a firefighter, it is the first time he's received Air Force-level recognition. It's the culmination of a long career, and being an IMA has been a good fit. "The IMA program lets you work with the Air Force based on their needs," he said. "I like the flexible schedule." The sergeant was first assigned to Eglin in 1998. He spent 11 years on active duty and spent time in the Reserves and National Guard before becoming an IMA with the firefighters. He said he's seen many changes over the years, especially in deployments and qualifications. Sergeant Talbert also noted that certification is now needed for every professional skill "before you can take a skill level test." "When I first came in, (the firefighters) went out as a group assigned to a PB-6 or 7 team or deployed with the squadron," Sergeant Talbert said. "Now it's smaller teams for less duration, but the technology has increased." Christopher Young, Eglin Fire & Emergency Services Assistant Chief of Operations, lauded Sergeant Talbert's excellence "in all aspects of his career and life." Mr. Young said his job performance includes tasks such as providing management oversight to seven fire stations, 57 vehicles and 90 fire fighters. "We submitted Sergeant Talbert for this award because he is our 'go to' IMA assigned," Mr. Young said. "He filled a critical senior leadership position that was vacant awaiting civilian fill. His role was vital to the mission success of the flight." When not on active duty, Sergeant Talbert stays close to the action, volunteering as deputy chief of the Baker Fire Department and working with the Okaloosa County Fire Chiefs Association. He plans to continue his involvement after he retires Aug. 21. "Firefighting is my life, that's what I do," he concluded.