Luis M. Fondeur Perez has been selected as the 2025 U.S. Army Civilian Firefighter of the Year for his work at Fort Buchanan Fire & Emergency Services in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Army announced the award following Fondeur’s contributions to fire protection and emergency services supporting personnel and critical infrastructure.
Col. John D. Samples, Fort Buchanan commanding officer, described the award as the result of a rigorous nomination and endorsement process.
“To be recognized as the U.S. Army Firefighter of the Year, you must go through a rigorous nomination and endorsement process,” Samples said.
“More importantly, you must demonstrate daily excellence.
“Fondeur embodies what right looks like—his actions, professionalism, and commitment clearly set him apart.”
Fondeur, a native of Bayamón, serves as part of the only Army fire department in the Caribbean.
Assistant Fire Chief for Operations Hector Rivera explained that Fondeur’s technical competence serves as a force multiplier for department readiness and safety.
Fondeur improved the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program by reviewing 97 safety elements and initiating corrective actions on more than $100,000 worth of equipment.
Rivera noted that Fondeur also managed the annual service testing of three primary emergency vehicles valued at approximately $1.2 million.
These actions ensured full compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
“I always strive to give my best—that’s something I take pride in,” Fondeur said.
“I wasn’t expecting this recognition, but when you have the support of your family and your team, great things can happen.
“To me, it is essential to perform at the highest level because we are responsible for protecting lives and valuable government resources.
“It is a significant responsibility, and I truly enjoy what I do.
“By maintaining high standards, I hope to inspire others on the team to continually improve.”
Fort Buchanan supports approximately 15,000 service members including active-duty personnel, reservists, and members of the Puerto Rico National Guard.
The department provides fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention, and public education programs to protect the installation’s ability to support Army readiness.
