Airman Derek V. Kozorosky was a firefighter assigned to the Fire Emergency Services Flight‚ 18th Civil Engineer Squadron‚ 18th Civil Engineering Group‚ Kadena Air Base‚ Okinawa‚ Japan. He proudly served his fellow firefighters in mitigating structural‚ crash‚ WMD‚ HAZMAT‚ medical‚ and rescue emergencies. He was dedicated and committed in providing first class fire protection for 24‚000 base personnel‚ 100+ assigned/attached aircraft and 10‚000 facilities valued at 8.4 billion dollars.
Airman Kozorosky was born at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg‚ Pennsylvania‚ and grew up in Ebensburg‚ Pennsylvania. His dedication and attention to detail were evident at an early age when he obtained his black belt in karate at the age of twelve. He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School‚ where he played football and basketball and was part of the homecoming court. Airman Kozorosky worked as a produce manager at Giant Eagle grocery store for three years‚ where he was labeled by the owners as the ‘best employee they ever had.’ He also spent a year as a construction worker doing some masonry work.
Airman Kozorosky began his Air Force career in November 2008. He joined the service for financial assistance to obtain a college degree and for the prospects of an exciting changed in his life. In just over two years of service‚ he was able to reach his initial career goals of completing his CDCs in less than fifteen months while scoring above 90% on all his end of course exams. Additionally‚ he was handpicked by flight leadership to attend the challenging emergency medical technician basic training course‚ where he excelled and received his National Registry Certification. He was also able to achieve a few personal goals in his short time here by deploying to Kuwait‚ giving him the opportunity to meet a lot of new people while seeing the world. Airman Kozorosky was very excited about being stationed at Kadena and being a part of the Fire Emergency Services flight.
Derek was close to his immediate family and was a loving son‚ brother‚ and grandson. He is survived by his parents‚ David and Lisa Kozorosky; his sister‚ Mikayla; and his grandparents‚ Len and Carol Zeman and Joe and Priscilla Kozorosky. His is also survived by numerous aunts‚ uncles‚ cousins‚ and friends.
He had a zest for life and left a lasting impression on those he loved with his humor and integrity.
We miss you Derek! Your life was cut short but the memories are long. We will never forget you and we will do our best to promote safety at all times. #forevergrateful
– Andrew KehlI only got the opportunity to be on 3 shifts with u but in that time frame it was easy to see that u were destined for greatness. A firefighter is a brother, and is a bond unknown to those who haven’t lived it. Your death hit us all equally hard. We all miss u and I know u r looking over us all.
– Davie HobbsYoung, brave and my go to man whether it be at work or a day cruising the island. You will always be apart of me. Godbless your friends and family. I am forever grateful! ~ JB ~
– Jacob BanuelosI sure do miss you man. I know that everyone will never forget you.
– Skyler DreyerMiss you kid! The impact you’ve had throughout the fire service is amazing! Keep watching over us and your brothers and sisters will keep your legacy alive. We are our Brothers keeper! #forevergratefull
– Rob JarvisKoz,
I didn’t know you personally, but through multiple fellow firefighters. Your loss, as I’m sure it effected your immediate family, was felt throughout the entire fire emergency services career field. My thoughts are with you even as you rest, as well as with your family and Brother firefighters. May you rest easy my Brother, your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
TSgt Devin W. Blue
– Devin BlueIt was a pleasure to know such an amazing young man. your legacy has left an amazing effect on the Fire Dept. Safety is paramount. Forever grateful.
– Chris MohrIt was a pleasure and an honor working with you buddy. Gone but not forgotten. Keep on doing your thing by keeping us safe and we will see you soon. Rest easy brother.
– Brian GunkelYou were the best coworker and a great friend Koz. Forever Grateful.
– Evan O'NealKoz you were a great friend, a great coworker, and a great firefighter. You were one of the last people I said goodbye to as I departed Kadena. May you rest easy brother and you will always be missed and never forgotten Koz.
– Eric Connolly