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| Photo By Airman 1st Class Randall Burlingame | Fire Lt. Thomas Zuffelato, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter, poses for a photo May 2, 2019, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Zuffelato is also a firefighter in the Connecticut Air National Guard at the 103rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Randy Burlingame) |
WESTFIELD, MA, UNITED STATES
05.02.2019
Story by Airman Sara Kolinski
104th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
Thomas Zuffelato, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Lieutenant, began his firefighting career in 1992 when he switched from the active duty Air Force to the Nebraska Air National Guard.
Zuffelato started working here in September 2006 after moving back to Massachusetts from Nebraska, and is also a Master Sgt. in the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing Fire Department.
Zuffelato said during his career he thankfully never had anything crazy happen or anyone get severely hurt, but making sure the people he works with remain safe is an important part of the job.
“State side, working here, the hardest part for me is making sure everyone goes home safe in the morning or the next day after we get off duty,” said Zuffelato.
Having been a firefighter for 27 years, Zuffelato’s career is now focused on mentoring new firefighters and being ready to step in if he is needed.
“I try to work with them and pass on as much experience as I can and let them know why they’re here,” said Zuffelato. “To get ready to go out the door and deploy whether it’s in the state of Massachusetts or overseas or in the Middle East or Africa or wherever we’re needed.”
Zuffelato said that it is important for new Airmen at the fire department to know the basics of firefighting well, and he tries to pass on his experience to Airmen that are at the department for six months as part of their Mission Essential Skills Training.
“You have to be ready,” said Zuffelato. “You have to train and be mentally and physically prepared.”
