John Wilson, a firefighting captain with MCAS Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, operates a ladder during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 15, 2015. The Fire and Emergency Services Department has served the air station and its surrounding community since its establishment in 1942. Firefighters on Cherry Point are trained in all aspects of fire fighting to include: rescue, structural firefighting, and medical response to ensure a constant state of readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)
Story by Cpl. Neysa Huertas Quinones
Firefighting personnel are a highly trained and equipped with gear capable of responding to rescue, medical, and structure fire calls.
“We train the firefighters on equipment and procedures every day,” said John Wilson, a team captain with the fire department. “We run scenarios and hold classes on protocol to maintain their proficiency levels. Our readiness affects our ability to successfully respond to any emergency we are called to.”
Training is constantly conducted while the firefighters are standing by for emergency calls. In addition to basic firefighting skills, all personnel are trained in standard medical procedures. All firefighters cross train to ensure services can be provided for a wide variety of emergencies.
“Responding to emergencies involves coordination and skill,” said Nick Salter, the emergency medical services assistant chief with the fire department. “Having a versatile team ensures that if someone with a specific job cannot be there, there is someone else who can respond.”
John Wilson, a firefighting captain with MCAS Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, climbs a ladder during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 15, 2015. The Fire and Emergency Services Department has served the air station and its surrounding community since its establishment in 1942. Firefighters on Cherry Point are trained in all aspects of fire fighting to include: rescue, structural firefighting, and medical response to ensure a constant state of readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)According to Wilson, the fire department here also responds to emergency calls within a 50-mile radius of the base. Local fire departments can reach out to the air station emergency services for assistance.
“When someone dials ‘911’ on base, the request gets transferred to the fire department here,” explained Wilson. “We will provide medical attention when necessary and can transport a patient to the nearest hospital or emergency medical center. Many people in need of emergency care are unaware that Cherry Point’s Naval Health Clinic offers no emergency services. In the event of an emergency, our team responds to the call and gets the patient to a hospital.”
The Cherry Point fire department has remained a crucial asset to the air station throughout the years. Changes in technology and protocol have improved firefighting, but the department has remained true to its mission of keeping the residents of the air station and the neighboring community safe for more than 70 years.
A firefighter with MCAS Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, operates a ladder during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 15, 2015. The Fire and Emergency Services Department has served the air station and its surrounding community since its establishment in 1942. Firefighters on Cherry Point are trained in all aspects of fire fighting to include: rescue, structural firefighting, and medical response to ensure a constant state of readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)
