NY Air Guard Staff Sgt. Sam Dolittle, a Cornwall resident, named best emergency manager in the country by Air National Guard

Newburgh, New York (02/06/2024) — NEWBURGH, N.Y. - New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Sam Doolittle, a Cornwall resident and an emergency manager with the 105th Airlift Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron, has been recognized by the Air National Guard for his exemplary leadership, innovation and technical accomplishments throughout 2023.

Doolittle was selected as the Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Emergency Manager of the Year after competing with emergency managers assigned to Air Guard wings across the nation.

He was chosen for a variety of achievements, including supporting multiple counter-violent extremist missions that have enhanced command and control capabilities during disasters.

To prepare his fellow Airmen for emergencies, he has also instructed 32 Disaster Response Force classes and trained over 200 personnel in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, known as CBRN.

"It's something I really enjoy," Doolittle said, explaining his long-time fascination with CBRN weapons and how to defend against them.

Doolittle has also demonstrated innovation and resourcefulness in his role, partnering with environmental management and a local water facility to design new potable water procedures with a potential cost savings of up to $10,000 in the event of a water emergency.

In addition, he was selected to lead the Diversity and Inclusion Council while deployed and he oversaw three diversity events for 500 personnel, enhancing team cohesion and morale.

"Simply put, Staff Sgt. Doolittle makes people around him better," said Lt. Col. Benjamin Thomas, commander of the 105th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"He is a team player who also leads by example. He has a passion for people, emergency management, and the United States Air Force," Thomas added.

Doolittle enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2018, determined to join the emergency management team at Stewart. He was first introduced to the career field through an internship at New York's Orange County Office of Emergency Management.

"I didn't know that emergency management was a career choice," Doolittle said.

"As soon as I found it, it's something that I thought that I would really enjoy, and I have," he said.

Doolittle thanked the 105th's leadership, and his team, for making his job not only possible, but enjoyable.His leaders also commended him for his accomplishments and his earning of this esteemed and competitive award.

"To be chosen as the NCO of the year is a complete honor," Thomas said. "I look forward to what the future holds for Staff Sgt. Doolittle and the 105th Emergency Management Flight."

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