Weapons safety award of distinction - Monthly Award Winners - quick thinking, knowledge of safety procedures averts possible explosion

On Nov.19, 2002, while performing his walk-through in preparation of the day's activities in the Munitions Inspection bay, TSgt Morrell smelled what he thought to be an odor normally associated with natural gas. Without hesitation, he rushed into the mechanical room and shut off the main gas line to the building.

Next, he quickly notified Munitions Control and expedited the evacuation of the Munitions Storage Area. He posted road guards around the building to direct evacuating personnel away from the suspected gas leak. As soon as the area was evacuated of all nonessential personnel and visitors, TSgt Morrell stood by at the entry control point to direct emergency response forces to the exact location of the potential hazardous site. Once the emergency response forces confirmed that there was a natural gas leak, emergency forces took over the cordon and contacted the Base Civil Engineers to initiate an emergency work order to repair the leaking gas line. TSgt Morrell's quick thinking, knowledge of emergency p rocedures, and deft actions prevented damage to a building and eliminated the potential for an explosive mishap. His daily safety awareness and strict adherence to Air Force directives clearly averted the potential loss of human life, equipment, and critical wing munitions assets.