8th CES fire team conducts burning structural response training

Story by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert August 22, 2022 at 10:12PM KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Kunsan Air Base’s 8th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department responded to a simulated structural fire during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2022.

386th ECES Airman wins USO Service Member of the Year

Story by Staff Sgt. Dalton Williams August 18, 2022 at 02:33AM A firefighter’s will power can’t be weak or prone to dissuasion–the opposite is needed. When the fire is blazing and people are running away, the strong-willed firefighter runs toward the danger. Determination fills their veins For one Air Force firefighter, this determination has been part of his DNA since childhood and was foundational to saving lives and shedding more than 90 pounds just so he could join. A firefighter with the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and a guard member out of the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Topeka, Kansas, it’s Staff Sgt. Nicholas Tafanelli’s determination and grit that recently led him to be recognized as one of the United Service Organization’s service members of the year. This award recognizes those who performed extraordinary acts of bravery that exemplify the values of the Armed Forces and the USO. Saving countless lives with his engine company as they answered call after call, Tafanelli responded to 318 emergencies, including 61 fires and 128 medical calls including motor vehicle accidents.

Robins AFB Fire Department awarded international accreditation

Story by Kisha Johnson August 17, 2022 at 11:58AM ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – This week the Robins Fire and Emergency Services at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, received accredited agency status from The Commission on Fire Accreditation International at the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission hearings in Denver, Colorado.

U.S. Air Force names Ohio Air National Guard member one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

August 12, 2022 at 04:22PM Airman 1st Class Grace Riegel Senior Airman Kristina Schneider, a Fire Protection Journeyman at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base, Mansfield, Ohio, was named one of The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022. The Outstanding Airman Program annually recognizes 12 enlisted members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. To be one of The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year is a huge accomplishment for any airman, but Schneider’s story is exceptionally unique and inspirational.

167th Firefighters obtain new skills through swift water rescue training

Story by Senior Airman Steven Sechler August 10, 2022 at 12:52PM Airmen with the 167th Civil Engineering Squadron participated in a five-day swift water rescue certification course, July 18-22 at different waterfront locations in Jefferson County.