Galione Retires after 40 Years of Service

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. -- The 177th Fighter Wing Fire Department's assistant fire chief retired after forty-four years of service on April 13, 2013.

Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Dominick Galione enlisted in the 177th Fighter Interceptor Group in September 1969 and served both as a full-time technician and a traditional Guardsman.
Galione noted that the thing he will miss the most is watching the aircraft, which also was the reason he initially enlisted.

After retiring from the Maryland Air National Guard in 2010, Galione returned to 177th and continued his service as a state employee.

Galione deployed to numerous places throughout the world, including England, Panama, Germany and the Azores, in addition to several state-side bases where he trained, mentored and worked with firefighters from all fifty states.

During his career, Galione saw advancements in everything from fire suits to regulations, as well as an increased awareness about hazardous materials and their effects. Galione took this knowledge and, as a founding member, incorporated it in the development of the Air National Guard Fire Chief's Course and the Air National Guard Fire Marshall's Course.

"The professionalism and camaraderie of fire department personnel always remained a constant," Galione said.

Galione stated that his proudest accomplishment during his career came at the conclusion of the recent unit compliance inspection. During this period, he supervised the 177th Fire Department as they prepared for the inspection, which ultimately resulted in a perfect score, entailing zero write-ups.

During his final address to the 177th Fire Department, Galione said that each Airman should set goals for themselves, to complete their professional military education and to "Reap the benefits of the Air National Guard".