For as long as military aircraft have flown, fire fighters have done their part to respond to mishaps, rescue aircrews, and protect the air bases from which airmen operate. Despite the importance of their mission, very little has been written about Air Force fire fighters and their profession. This book, long overdue and written by one of their own, helps begin to fill that void.
Doug Courchene, who served 42 years as an Air Force military and civilian fire fighter, has spent many years compiling information on the machines, clothing, vehicles, and equipment used by Air Force fire fighters. Along the way, he has also gathered stories about individual fire fighters, specific fire incidents, and the heroic deeds that have saved Air Force lives and property over the years.
Among the ranks of early Air Force fire fighters are some whom Mr. Courchene has singled out and designated as Pioneers. These men, most of whom he knew personally, helped lay the foundation of what is today the most modern and best trained fire fighting force in the world. They designed and established criteria for early military fire fighting equipment for the Army Air Corps, the Army Air Forces during World War II, and the Air Force after its establishment as a separate service in 1947. They set the standards and developed the guidelines that govern the career field. They created training programs and established schools. They brought their own integrity to bear in building fire departments that they and the Air Force could be proud of. Many of their stories are told here.
Although this book does not purport to be a comprehensive history of Air Force fire protection, it does gather together in one place an amazing amount of information and numerous stories that might otherwise be lost with the passage of time. We are indebted to Mr. Courchene for his dedication in collecting this information and hope that the publication of this book will inspire others to research and capture other aspects of the proud history of Air Force fire protection.
Mr. Courchene’s original manuscript has been edited for style and format. The content has been left intact, with only minor rearrangement. Facts and events have been corroborated when documentary evidence was readily available.
Lois E. Walker
Historian
Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency
Permission was granted to me to publish this electronic edition in June 2006 and make the document publicly available. Mr. Douglas E. Courchene. Except for this paragraph and the last line of text on page iii, no changes have occurred to the July 2003 version which was only produced in paper copy. This document is protected by copyright by the undersigned. It may be freely used, printed, copied and distributed without further permission so long as the document is not altered or changed in any way.
Donald W. Warner
Chief, Air Force Fire Emergency Services Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency
