Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jecca Geffre | A firefighter takes a break from working on the High Park fire in Larimer County, Colo., June 18, 2012. National Guard units from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming helped with firefighting and evacuation efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jess Geffre)
CENTENNIAL, CO, UNITED STATES
09.12.2019
Story by Staff Sgt. Joseph Vonnida
Colorado National Guard
The 1157th Engineer Detachment (Firefighting), Colorado Army National Guard will deactivate in a formal ceremony at the Centennial Training Site Amphitheater, Fort Carson, Colorado, Sept. 13, 2019, at 1 p.m.
The ceremony will honor the accomplishments of the 1157th in supporting civil authorities in Colorado during emergency response operations.
Units are created, deactivated or relocated according to the needs of the U.S. Army. During the deactivation ceremony, the symbol of the unit, its guidon, is formally furled and placed into its protective case. This action symbolizes the transfer of the unit from an active status to a de-active status. The colors and its history are then stored for potential re-activation.
The deactivation of the company embodies the history, traditions and accomplishments of the 1157th. With the deactivation, the unit's legacy is recorded and maintained for future generations.
“These Colorado National Guard members saved lives, prevented suffering and protected property during some of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado’s history,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Loh said. “The affected communities will long remember these Soldiers’ contributions.”
Recent history of the 1157th and its members include support to state and local partners during the High Park Fire in 2012. The unit had the only apparatus capable of supplying water pressure to reach the elevations needed for fire suppression operations. The tender supplied water for five days, supporting five crews estimated at 100 firefighters, and supplying more than 3000 gallons of water.
During the Black Forest Fire in 2013, the 1157th provided structure protection for over 80 houses that would have been otherwise destroyed. They assisted with mop-up procedures, ensuring the fire was “cold” before clearing owners to return to their houses.
During the West Fork Complex Fire in 2013, the unit assisted in protecting two towns from the fire.
During the Spring Creek Fire in 2018, the unit responded to an in-flight emergency for smoke in an aircraft cockpit, resulting in no injuries and no damage to property.
