ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Editor’s note: The Team AEDC Frontlines series is a recurring feature that puts the spotlight on some of the members of Team AEDC on the “frontlines” supporting our mission, people and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Steve Macon is regarded by his colleagues as the face of fire prevention at Arnold Air Force Base.
Macon is the fire prevention inspector for Arnold AFB Fire and Emergency Services. In this role, he is responsible for inspecting every building across the base to ensure it is fire safe. He conducts annual fire prevention inspections of each building, with some inspected twice per year.
Macon’s efforts include verifying that fire extinguishers are operational and functioning properly and making sure that facilities are abiding by appropriate life safety codes. This includes making sure fire doors and exits are not blocked and are working as needed. He also documents any issues he encounters with sprinkler systems, exit and emergency lights, heat and smoke detectors in Arnold facilities and, if need be, works to ensure the devices and systems are operational.
Additionally, Macon works with facility managers across Arnold to coordinate such inspections. He is responsible for issuing the day-to-day burn and welding permits for personnel repairing, building or redesigning facilities and, when required, Macon works with other offices, such as Industrial Hygiene, to make sure safety protocols are in place before a job begins.
Macon also provides fire prevention briefings to groups across base to help ensure work areas are fire safe.
“My job is making sure at the end of the day people get to go home to their families,” Macon said. ”My job is to make sure their facility is fire safe to save lives and property.”
Macon began his career in 1976 as a volunteer fireman for the city of Winchester. He came to work at Arnold in May 1987, starting out as a firefighter. He was later promoted to driver operator/engineer and eventually to crew chief for Arnold FES.
After completing training, Macon took on the role of fire inspector at Arnold in 2013. He has achieved Level II fire inspector certification.
His work has earned him praise from Arnold FES Fire Prevention/Communications Officer Christian Lyle.
“I have never met a man that is as hardworking or cares more about his job than Steve Macon,” Lyle said. “You can definitely tell that he cares about his community and his firefighters.”
Macon’s work kept him on base throughout the operating postures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He took advantage of the situation, during which much of the workforce was not present on base, by completing 67 fire prevention inspections in 22 days. This was done on top of the regular monthly inspections he was tasked with completing.
Those at Arnold with fire prevention questions may call 454-5306.
Steve, thank you for all you do for Team AEDC!