Story by Senior Airman
Areca Wilson
AVIANO AIR
BASE, Italy - Arriving a few moments too late to an incident can mean the
difference between life and death. So a firefighter's actions are imperative to
reducing structural damage and loss of life.
Airmen from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron
Fire Department aim to provide world-class fire prevention and emergency
response services for Team Aviano.
"Our goal is to prevent or reduce injury
and loss of life, and minimize damage to property and the environment,
regardless of whether we are [here] or abroad," said U.S. Air Force Senior
Master Sgt. Michael Patterson, 31 CES deputy fire chief. "In order for us
to achieve these objectives, we must continuously evaluate community risks and
the scope of services that we must deliver."
The Fire Emergency Services flight's core
services include: fire responds, pre-hospital medical emergencies, freeing
individuals from automobile and equipment accidents, to name just a few.
In order to provide these important services,
Airmen train on a regular basis, and are constantly learning and perfecting
their trade.
"Our firefighters spend a majority of
their day focused on improving their skill-sets through training," said
Patterson. "There are several regulations that dictate the type and
frequency of training [such as] National Fire Protection Association standards,
Occupational Safety and Health Association regulations, Department of Defense
Instructions, Air Force Instructions and the Career Field Education and Training
Plan."
Though these guidelines mandate what training
is required by each Airman, U.S. Air Force Capt. John Kim, 31 CES FES training
observer, is confident they are always pushing their standard of service.
"They're always trying to get better,"
Kim said. "They have a lot of pride in themselves. I think it's one of the
motivators that have helped get them to where they are. I've had the
opportunity to work in four out of six sections within CES and these guys are
truly among the best."
Kim explained that although the Airmen work
over 120 hours every two weeks, they always ensure their readiness.
In addition to providing these services, the
FES flight contributes to building and sustaining relations with the Italian
Air Force and the local community. These relationships are essential to help
support over 40 major Aviano and host nation community events on an annual
basis.
With any job, Airmen can experience setbacks.
"Each day we face [manpower] challenges
resulting from [U.S. European Command] and [U.S. Air Forces Central Command]
taskings, and Weapons Training Deployments," Patterson explained.
"[But we're still] dedicated to supporting inspections, wing details, on-
and off-base tours and joint training [opportunities] with our host nation,
Italian Air Force firefighters."
Although these Airmen must retain readiness at
all times, they are proud to be given the opportunity to essentially act as the
wing's insurance plan.
"It's a great feeling knowing that people
look up to us to take care of any situation that comes up whether it's a car
accident or fire," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grey Tedford, 31
CES firefighter. "We take care of the base; we take care of the property.
If we weren't here a lot of that wouldn't get accomplished."
