12.17.2018
Video by Daisuke Sato
US Army Garrison - Japan
Rookie Fire Academy on Camp Zama:
Narration:
Eight rookie firefighters from Fire and Emergency Services at Camp Zama and Kure received their Firefighter badges after graduating from the long and arduous Firefighter Rookie Academy Course on Camp Zama.
Remarks: LTC Barry Winnegan, Commander, Directorate Emergency Services
Interview: Koki Saito, Rookie Firefighter, FES, U.S. Army Garrison Japan
I personally think the two-month training was rewarding and fulfilling. There was a time where I felt it was really hard, but with the support from my seven other peers, trainers and senior firefighters, I was able to overcome those challenges.
Interview: Ryo Natsume, Rookie Firefighter, FES, U.S. Army Garrison Japan
It was harder than I expected because there are numerous causes of fires and we have to deal with each cause in the proper way, which requires knowledge and skills in order to respond rapidly and flexibly.
Narration:
During the eight-week course, the rookie firefighters were trained on numerous skills, from handling fire equipment and participating in live-fire exercises to medical rescue and emergency vehicle operations.
Interview: Nobuki Azuma, Training Officer, Fire & Emergency Services
The Firefighter Rookie Academy is a requirement that every firefighter working on a U.S. installation must complete in order to be a qualified firefighter. It is regulated by the National Fire Protection Association. The rookies must pass all required qualifications within the eight-week program. It consisted of academic and practical classes and a total of 21 different training blocks.
Narration:
This year’s academy was a unique experience for Masahiro Watanabe, who stepped into the role of training captain for the first time.
Interview: Masahiro Watanabe, Training Captain, Fire & Emergency Services
The most challenging part of training rookies is teaching them how to mentally and physically overcome challenges not individually but as a team. Leading them all in the same direction was a unique challenge.
Interview: Koki Saito, Rookie Firefighter, FES, U.S. Army Garrison Japan
Before I began the academy, I didn’t know what I should do in certain scenarios in the field, but after finishing I’m now able to envision each situation and react accordingly by thinking ahead.
Interview: Ryo Natsume, Rookie Firefighter, FES, U.S. Army Garrison Japan
As a firefighter, I’m not at the level I want to be at right now, but after completing this academy I feel like I’m slowly but definitely getting closer to being the kind of firefighter I really want to be.
Narration:
These eight rookie firefighters will return to their stations with critical skills and a newfound sense of pride and camaraderie and will be committed to continuing serving the safety of their communities.
