USAG Humphreys Fire Department wins best in the region

Soldiers role playing as injured personnel are triaged during an airfield accident drill, Nov. 21 at Desiderio Army Airfield on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys. The drill was designed to evaluate first responder and emergency response capabilities.

The exercise simulated a hard landing of a fixed-wing RC-12 aircraft, injuring the three crew members.

“The exercise not only met regulatory requirements, but also demonstrated the airfield’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of safety and preparedness,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Chambers, airfield executive officer.

The collaborative effort involved the garrison’s Directorate of Emergency Services, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security airfield operations, aviation personnel, and military police, showcasing the garrison’s comprehensive commitment to aviation safety.

The realistic simulation included a swift response. Military police, fire and emergency services rescued and evacuated the victims to the hospital in less than 20 minutes from the start of the incident.

Chambers praised the seamless integration of emergency services and the valuable training experience gained.

U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys is the “Army’s Home in Korea” and is located along the western coast of South Korea within the seaport city of Pyeongtaek, approximately 40 miles south of Seoul. Camp

USAG Humphreys Fire Department wins best in the region

By Patrick BrayJanuary 30, 2024

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Installation Management Command Pacific has named the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Fire and Emergency Services as the Best Medium Fire Department in the Pacific Region for 2023. The fire department is now entered into IMCOM’s competition for the Best Medium Sized Fire Department worldwide and will compete against the winners of other IMCOM regions.

“This solidifies USAG Humphreys Fire and Emergency Services as the best of the best,” said Marcus Shepard, fire chief. “It is a huge honor to the men and women who often put the needs of others before their own, serving this community day in and day out.”

The USAG Humphreys Fire and Emergency Services protects the largest overseas installation and the busiest U.S. Army airfield in the Pacific.

The department has four fire stations with 105 personnel. In 2023 the fire department responded to more than 1,140 emergencies.

The most notable incident last year was the F-16 pilot ejection and crash in May. An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing crashed in an agricultural area near Osan Air Base. The pilot safely ejected and was transported to the nearest medical facility.

USAG Humphreys Fire and Emergency Services responded and provided a mobile command post, crash-site security, and command structure with local national mutual-aid partners prior to the Air Force’s arrival from Osan.

Fire and Emergency Services reached more than 65,000 people in 2023 with fire prevention messages, Armed Forces Network radio spotlights, and participation in more than 32 community events – such as Fire Prevention Week. During the week of Oct. 8-14, the department visited each of the elementary schools on Camp Humphreys to promote fire safety as part of Fire Prevention Week.

“The firefighters here take a lot of pride in serving this community and always try their best whenever they are called upon,” said Shepard.

Collaborative efforts with Republic of Korea emergency responders make USAG Humphreys Fire and Emergency Services stand out amongst others in the region, said Shepard. The installation's fire department works with the Pyeongtaek Fire Department throughout the year through training sessions, ceremonies, station tours, and whenever assistance is requested to support emergency operations.