167th Firefighters rescue man from burning vehicle

167th Airlift Wing firefighters, Airman Garrison Huggins, Staff Sgt. Ryan Trochimowicz, Staff Sgt. Michael Frye, Staff Sgt. Jason Smith and Airman 1st Class Levi Taylor responded to an early morning car accident, pulling the driver from his burning vehicle, March 2, 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Dickson)

MARTINSBURG, WV, UNITED STATES
03.03.2019
Story by Staff Sgt. Timothy Sencindiver
167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard 

Five 167th Airlift Wing firefighters responded to an early morning car accident, pulling the driver from his burning vehicle, March 2, 2019.
Within five minutes of being dispatched, Staff Sgt. Michael Frye, Staff Sgt. Ryan Trochimowicz, Staff Sgt. Jason Smith, Airman 1st Class Levi Taylor and Airman Garrison Huggins arrived on the scene less than a mile from the Martinsburg, WVa., air base.
“They stretched the line, went to the door, opened the door, got the guy out and put out the fire,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Frye who drove the rescue engine to the accident.
The team was the first on the scene. Medics arrived shortly after the driver was removed from his vehicle.
“I think if we would have got there any later it could have been a whole lot worse, for sure,” said Airman Garrison Huggins.
The fireman all agreed that they were happy to help out in the community.
“It’s a good feeling to do your job and see a positive outcome,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Smith.

Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department locate missing kayaker off Oahu

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES
02.26.2019
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West
U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific 

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and Honolulu County Fire Department located a 56-year-old male kayaker who went missing near Haleiwa Beach Park, Monday evening.

The missing kayaker had made his way to shore after becoming separated from his friend. Good Samaritans reported seeing a kayaker leaving the water who matched his description and notified the Honolulu Fire Department. The battalion chief was able to speak to the kayaker by phone and verify he was safe. There were no reported injuries.

“His friend did the right thing and contacted authorities once he realized they were separated,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Alvin Seguin, a Sector Honolulu watchstander. “If you find yourself in such a situation it is best to err on the side of caution and notify us immediately. We would much rather search for someone who is not in trouble than not search for someone who is. Any time a missing person is found safe and sound, it is a good day.”

At 5:10 p.m., Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from the Honolulu Fire Department stating two kayakers had been boating in the area when they became separated. Once his friend noticed the other was missing he made his way back to the beach and called 911. He reported he had last seen his friend about 500-yards off Alligator Rock Beach Park in a white Surf Ski watercraft and had been wearing black shorts and a lime-green shirt with a life-jacket.

Honolulu County first responders set up an incident command post on the shore and began searching the area with ground and air assets. Sector Honolulu watchstanders launched a Station Honolulu 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews to assist. The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) crew was also diverted to respond. Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to mariners requesting they keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress.

The kayaker had made his way to the Hawaii Polo Grounds at Mokuleia where he then asked good Samaritans for a ride back to his resort. Some had heard his description in the missing person report and notified the Honolulu Fire Department. The Fire Department was then able to call the kayaker.

“We recommend waterway users keep safety in mind when they enjoy the ocean,” said Seguin. “It is best to inform someone of your plans and to research the weather before you leave. In Hawaii, you can find your local conditions at http://hawaiibeachsafety.com.”

Involved in the search were:

An Air Station Barbers Point Dolphin helicopter crew
A Station Honolulu RB-M Crew
A Honolulu Fire Department helicopter crew
Honolulu Fire Department ground crews
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joesph Gerczak

The weather on the scene at the time was winds of 11 mph and seas up to 2 feet.

Coast Guard, local agencies respond to boat fire in Cape Charles, VA

CAPE CHARLES, VA, UNITED STATES
02.26.2019
Courtesy Photo
U.S. Coast Guard District 5   

The Coast Guard and other local agencies respond to a boat fire at Cape Charles Marina in Cape Charles, Virginia, Feb. 26, 2019. A Unified Command was established, comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard, Accomack County Fire Department, Cape Charles Fire Department, Cheriton Fire Department and Virginia Department of Emergency Management. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Distressed cruise passenger rescued by HSC-25

PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 04, 2019) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Ty Nichols, assigned to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, is lowered to the deck of the MV Arcadia to provide emergency assistance to a cruise passenger in distress during a MEDEVAC. HSC-25 provides a multi-mission rotary wing capability for units in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and maintains a Guam-based 24-hour search-and-rescue and medical evacuation capability, directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas. HSC-25 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron.(U.S. Navy photo courtesy of HSC-25)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM

03.04.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet      

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (March 4, 2019) – Sailors from the Guam-based “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 provided emergency assistance to a cruise passenger in distress early Monday, March 4.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. Sunday, March 3, HSC-25 was notified by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam that a passenger aboard MV Arcadia was experiencing a medical emergency. After Arcadia transited within helicopter range of Guam, a rescue mission was launched at 5:45 a.m. Monday, by HSC-25 Alert Search and Rescue led by Aircraft Commander Lt. Richard Schuster. The passenger in distress was recovered via helicopter hoist and returned to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam in stable condition.

“Flying to a cruise ship was a unique and challenging MEDEVAC experience,” said Schuster. “We continually practice to prevail when needed most. The Arcadia was very helpful in positioning the ship, allowing Rescue 11’s crew to stabilize the patient on the rescue hoist and get him safely in the aircraft. We were able to expeditiously transport the patient thanks to our Flight Surgeon Lt. Kumetz and SAR Medical Technician HM2 Bowen.”

The incident was the fifth emergency call to HSC-25 by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam and marks two recoveries during search-and-rescue and medical evacuations in 2019 to date.

“I could not be more proud of our maintenance and flight crews this morning,” said HSC-25 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Frank Loforti. "Yet again, the Island Knights executed a flawless MEDEVAC, I’m honored to be part of the winning team."

HSC-25 provides a multi-mission rotary wing capability for units in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and maintains a Guam-based 24-hour search-and-rescue and medical evacuation capability, directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas. HSC-25 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron.

Robins firefighters use boxing to stay fit to fight flames

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Boxing firefighters (back left to right) Lieutenant Jeffrey Spivey, Captain Nicholas Hamilton, Lieutenant Glenn Wright, (front left to right) Lieutenant Hameed Zagadinow, and Fire Inspector Marcus White, at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, gather for a group shot, Jan. 24, 2019. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton)

By Holly Logan-Arrington, Robins Public Affairs / Published February 12, 2019
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
It was the thrill of the fight that drew a group of Robins firefighters to boxing.

Somewhere between the jabs and uppercuts at a charity boxing event, the group got hooked on the sport and its health benefits.

They’ve been boxing their way to their fitness goals ever since.

Marcus White, Robins Fire Department fire inspector, who headed up the boxing workout effort in 2016, said on any given day, there are a few guys hitting the gym and practicing their moves.

“The three of us that competed in the first year captured the attention of our peers,” he said. “A lot of the guys took a special interest and wanted to be trained. So almost daily there is some sort of training going on in the stations.”

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Glenn Wright, a lieutenant with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, fire department, poses with his champion belt, Jan. 24, 2019, he received for boxing. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton)

As a small group, the firemen started incorporating boxing into their workout, building the group and their routine as years went by.

“Boxing is a skilled sport first, so there is focus that is required to ensure the effectiveness and delivery of your athleticism,” White said. “The mental fortitude required is different from any other style of training. This really is a big help with firefighters when one is faced with a life or death situation.”

White said that same demand helps his fellow firefighters and him in being cognizant and vigilant to get them out of an unfortunate situation.

“Boxing is perhaps the most physically demanding sport of all and at times so is firefighting,” he said. “A lot of cardio, high intensity workouts, interval and strength training is the recipe for fitness. We are very fortunate to have individuals like Hameed Zagadinow and Bo Guinn in the fire station that have a background in boxing. They know what it takes to be in shape for our bouts, and they possess the knowledge base to train us.”

For Capt. Nick Hamilton, Robins Fire Department lead firefighter, firefighting and boxing is a great match, building stamina and strength.     

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Marcus White, a fire inspector with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, fire department, poses with his champion belts, Jan. 24, 2019, he received for boxing. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton)

“It’s a great way to bring the guys together for a great workout in the gym,” he said. “Sometimes it’s easier to get more participation in the gym if it is done in a group setting.”

The 36-year-old father of two said the sport allows him to mix up his workout so he can stay just as sharp mentally as he is physically.

“Running on a treadmill or riding a bike in a gym can be very boring,” he said. “Boxing is a fun way to get your exercise in for the day.”

Lt. Hameed Zagadinow, Robins Fire Department firefighter, who developed his passion for boxing as a young teenager, said boxing tests skills he needs on the job as well as in the ring.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Nicholas Hamilton, a captain with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, fire department, poses with his belt, Jan. 24, 2019, he received for boxing. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton)

“Boxing correlates to firefighting with the intense cardiovascular training, reacting and responding in intense situations, and keeping a level frame of mind when you are physically exerted,” he said. “The part I enjoy the most is the additional teamwork fostered between fellow firefighters and holding each other accountable to maintain and exceed our physical fitness requirements.”

Zagadinow said he enjoys boxing for its cardio and stress relieving benefits.

“I think more people should do this type of training because it’s different,” he said. “You learn self-defense and 30 minutes is comparable to an hour of regular working out.”

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Jeffrey Spivey, a lieutenant with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, fire department, poses with his belt, Jan. 24, 2019, he received for boxing. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton)

White said the group plans to continue building on their boxing workouts and may even toss their fireman’s hats in the ring to compete in the sport.

“For us that compete, we will continue doing so,” he said. “Every year, someone different is inspired to step up and represent the department. For those that just want to use the training to stay in shape, we will continue to push and motivate each other around the firehouse. With every session, we will reach our peak and come out of the training a little stronger, a little faster, and a little smarter than how we entered it.”

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Hameed Zagadinow, a lieutenant with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, fire department, poses with his champion belt, Jan. 24, 2019, he received for boxing. Robins firefighters used boxing in their daily workouts to remain physically fit and build comradery within the stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton