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| Firetrucks from both the Newport News and Fort Eustis fire departments extend their ladders during a joint training exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia Oct. 26, 2020. Firefighters from the 733d Civil Engineer Division conducted a ladder truck exercise with their counterparts from Newport News with the objective of enhancing their ability to work with other fire departments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Magbanua) |
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA, UNITED STATES
12.01.2020
Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua Joseph Magbanua
Joint Base Langley-Eustis
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. , Nov. 3, 2020 —Firefighters from the 733d Civil Engineer Division conducted a ladder truck exercise with their counterparts from the Newport News Fire Department at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 26, 2020.
The objective of the training was to enhance the firefighters’ skill in using their ladder trucks. Participants in the exercise also aimed to bolster teamwork between the Fort Eustis and Newport News fire departments.
“It’s good to know that everybody’s on the same page when we’re working together for any type of fire or incident,” said Tim Scott, 733d CED lead firefighter. “It goes a lot smoother [when we work together]. Everybody did great on both sides and it’s wonderful to work with them any time we can.”
The exercise took place at a vacant three-story building, with firefighters from both departments stationing their trucks at different locations around the building. Their task was to access the third floor using the built-in ladders on their trucks.
While extending the ladders, the firefighters also had to maneuver around tree branches, power lines and other obstacles.
“When we’re setting up next to buildings or other locations, we have obstacles which get in our way,” Scott said. “It’s easier to train like you work so when the real thing happens you’re all ready for it.”
Matt Bacon, NNFD master firefighter, explained the training was designed to prepare firefighters for the unpredictable nature of their profession.
“We don’t have the luxury of knowing where our 911 calls are going to be,” Bacon said. “To come to somewhere and not be able to pre-plan that action, it gives us a very realistic opportunity in a controlled environment that’s safe for everyone.”
Bacon expressed his optimism at the opportunity for his department to train with their counterparts at Fort Eustis, adding that joint exercises bolster camaraderie between members of the firefighting community.
“We actually had a long-standing operational history [with the Fort Eustis fire Department],” Bacon said. “It is only natural that we would work together. It’s all about the closest truck to solve an emergency. We don’t see lines or borders, we go to help no matter where it is.”
