Former Hanscom AFB firefighter recognized for helping injured cyclist Published Feb. 20, 2025 By Mark Herlihy 66th Air Base Group HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- A retired 66th Civil Engineering Division firefighter was awarded the Air and Space Command Civilian Award for Valor during a ceremony here Feb. 18. While traveling home from work Sept. 6, 2024, Vincent Sanchez administered medical assistance to a cyclist who was severely injured by a vehicle. “As someone who rides a road bike myself, I understood exactly what had happened during the incident,” said Sanchez. “The gentleman on the bicycle did not hear the electric vehicle coming up beside him, which contributed to the accident.” Trained in basic first aid and emergency response, Sanchez recruited help from bystanders to immobilize the patient and control the cyclist’s bleeding. Sanchez’s quick reactions and life-saving expertise contributed to the accident victim’s survival and recovery. Col. Jorge Jimenez, installation commander, presented the award to Sanchez while friends, former colleagues and his spouse looked on. “It is an honor to be here to recognize a true hero. What first responders do daily is superb, and the victim was fortunate to have Mr. Sanchez close by when the accident happened,” said Jimenez. Sanchez served the federal government for more than 34 years, beginning his career as an Air Force firefighter at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, in 1990. He joined the 66th Air Base Group Civil Engineering Division in the spring of 2000. He retired from federal service in December 2024 as assistant chief of operations. “Obviously this is what we do for a living, and this is what we train for, but this happened on his way home from work,” said Jared Whittemore, 66th Civil Engineering Division fire chief. “For him to stop and show compassion for another human being, it is amazing.” Whittemore added that the opportunity for firefighters to show their appreciation during the ceremony meant a lot to the team to recognize Sanchez.