Book: Army Fire Fighting: A Historical Perspective

 

Army Fire Fighting: A Historical Perspective

by Leroy Allen Ward (Author)

Army Firefighting details the history of this low-density military occupational specialty which represents a small section of the Corps of Engineers. Beginning with the Civil War through present day, this historical perspective contains the lineage and history of Army fire fighting units and includes unit rosters, activations and deactivations, deployment locations and description of some of the major fires fought. The book also contains photographs of Army fire fighters during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the War on Terrorism. Using interviews, correspondence and diaries, as well as archived material, Leroy Allen Ward tells the remarkable story of the Army's Engineer Firefighters.

This 355 page book is on sale now for as low as $3.99. Click here for more. 

See more great books here.

Curtis Forbes (left), recognized as the Department of the Army EMS Provider of the Year 2023, alongside Sunya Maxwell (right), awarded DOD Civilian Firefighter of the Year 2023

 

Curtis Forbes (left), recognized as the Department of the Army EMS Provider of the Year 2023, alongside Sunya Maxwell (right), awarded DOD Civilian Firefighter of the Year 2023 at the Installation Management Command – Pacific level, stand with pride in front of a Fort Wainwright Fire Department ambulance, reflecting the distinguished recognition of their lifesaving skills and commitment to excellence. (Courtesy photo)

FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, UNITED STATES
04.09.2024
Story by Daniel Nelson 
Fort Wainwright Public Affairs Office  

The Fort Wainwright community recently recognized the exemplary service of two individuals who have stood out for their contributions, setting a high standard of dedication and professionalism within their respective fields. Their efforts have not only enhanced the installation's safety and well-being but also fostered a stronger sense of community and support.

In recognition at the Installation Management Command - Pacific level, Sunya Maxwell and Curtis Forbes have been honored for their outstanding service, embodying the spirit of commitment that defines Fort Wainwright.

Maxwell's selection for nomination from across all U.S. Army installations in the Pacific Region for the DOD Civilian Firefighter of the Year 2023 is marked by her unwavering dedication to her role and the community she serves. Her accomplishments include completing an extensive range of Career Development Courses in her first year, such as Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting and various Driver Operator certifications. This rigorous training prepared her to face any emergency with expertise and confidence.

"Being a Firefighter in itself gives you a sense of purpose every time you are able to help those in need," Maxwell said, highlighting the inherent value of her work. She emphasizes the special relationship between the fire department and the Fort Wainwright community, noting, "At Fort Wainwright, I believe that we are a part of the community, and are appreciated."

Her commitment to strengthen the bonds within the Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks communities extend beyond the call of duty, particularly in strengthening mutual aid relationships with neighboring fire departments. Her involvement in community fire safety programs underlines a holistic approach to firefighting.

"The greatest quality as well as the greatest fulfillment I get with this department is the relationship we have with the smaller fire departments we have surrounding us," said Maxwell.

Having worked closely with these departments, Maxwell values the shared experiences and resources, acknowledging their collective impact on community safety. "Having worked for two of these departments, the Fort Wainwright Fire Department’s mutual aid assistance has saved countless homes, lives and pets.

"These mutual aid fire departments know they are receiving experienced and knowledgeable crews and command staff on every fire," she added.

“The Annual Fire and Emergency Services Awards are comprised of 10 separate categories and always have fierce competition. After competing at the ID Pacific level, winners are forwarded for further competition at IMCOM, AMC, DA and DOD levels,” stated Rich March, fire protection specialist with U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Pacific Directorate. “The USAG Alaska garrisons performed extremely well this year with incredible responses in Arctic conditions and executing with manpower shortages.”

Forbes was recognized as the Department of the Army EMS Provider of the Year 2023, speaking to his exceptional role in emergency medical services. Forbes demonstrated a profound commitment to life-saving care and medical excellence, evidenced by his response to over 183 Advanced Life Support calls and the pursuit of national and State of Alaska paramedic certifications.

His dedication to educating and training firefighters in medical response further illustrates his commitment to enhancing the Fort Wainwright Fire Department’s capabilities, ensuring that the community benefits from highly skilled and knowledgeable EMS providers.

The achievements of Maxwell and Forbes reflect their exceptional service and dedication to Fort Wainwright and its community. Through their professional excellence and commitment to community engagement, they inspire others to strive for the highest standards of service and serving as role models for future generations of firefighters and EMS providers.

Their achievements highlight not only their individual excellence but also their significant contribution to fostering a culture of leadership, collaboration and commitment within the Fort Wainwright community. "Fort Wainwright is not just a military installation in Fairbanks, Alaska; it is an integral part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough," stated Maxwell.

YETI Rambler 25 oz Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid, Travel Mug Water Tumbler, Vacuum Insulated Cup with Handle, Stainless Steel, Rescue Red

Texas Military Department deploys 147th Attack Wing MQ-9 to support wildfires

Story by Sean Cowher April 09, 2024 at 12:09PM HOUSTON, Texas -- Amidst the unprecedented scale of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas History, the 147th Attack Wing stepped forward to provide crucial support in the firefighting efforts in the Panhandle region of Texas. Deploying an MQ-9 unmanned aerial system (UAS), the 147th partnered with the Texas Department of Emergency Management and local fire departments to combat the fires that engulfed areas in the region.

Operation Guide Wire Broadens 178th Airmen’s Skills

By Staff Sgt. Constantine Bambakidis, 178th Wing

NEWS | April 8, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Airmen from the 178th Mission Support Group worked with 123d Air Control Squadron members and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, during Operation Guide Wire, an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Operation Guide Wire was a multi-day joint training exercise to enable Airmen to fill roles outside their standard career field, emphasizing the multi-capable aspect of the U.S. Air Force. 

During the exercise, Airmen from the 178th Civil Engineering Squadron, Mission Support Group, and Base Defense Squadron underwent expedited pre-deployment processing. On April 4, they flew on a UH-60 Black Hawk to a simulated forward operating base.

“Not only will Airmen be able to perform their core functions, they’re also going to be able to learn and train with other units and train as they train. We have air movement with helicopters from the Army National Guard. We have two different convoys coming in from different locations,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Howard, lead planner for the exercise. “We have Civil Air Patrol partners, we have USAFSAM (U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine) from WPAFB coming out to help us, as well as the medical group and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) group internal to the wing.”

The exercise began with the processing of paperwork and documentation for all deploying Airmen. 

“It goes back to being a multi-capable airman. In case, for example, security forces isn’t there,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Magill, a participant from the 178th Force Support Squadron. “I think it’s very important that we can do each other’s jobs and fill someone else’s role if needed.”

After pre-deployment requirements were verified, a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, transported Airmen to a landing zone on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Airmen disembarked and immediately secured the area, preparing the environment for the multi-day exercise. Teams composed of Airmen across multiple career fields worked together to establish a tactical operations center and respond to simulated opposing forces.

“My favorite part of the exercise is the camaraderie. … We make it fun,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darwis Urena, a firefighter with the 178th Civil Engineering Squadron. “We try to look at the upside of everything and enjoy the relationship that we have together.”

Exercises like Operation Guide Wire maintain the readiness of the 178th Wing and ensure the capability of 178th Airmen to fill different roles in deployed environments. Realistic training helps prepare the wing to respond to any situation alongside Airmen and Soldiers from various career fields.

“Anything can happen at any time,” Magill said. “If that time does come, we are prepared, and we can get the mission done.”

 

Army Fire Fighting: A Historical Perspective

Fort Huachuca community celebrates Month of the Military Child

Firefighter Trevor Sheffield hands out swag to the military families during the Fort Huachuca Month of the Military Child event April 6. The Fort Huachuca Fire & Emergency Services joined service members, civilians and members of the community gathered at the Thunder Mountain Activity Center to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold)

FORT HUACHUCA, AZ, UNITED STATES

04.06.2024
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold 
U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command  

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – Service members, civilians and members of the community gathered at the Thunder Mountain Activity Center to celebrate the Month of the Military Child April 6. Hosted by the Fort Huachuca Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the theme of this year's observance is, “Military Children and Youth: Brave, Fearless and Resilient.”

Celebrated every April, the Month of the Military Child recognizes and honors the role military children play in the armed forces community. The Army is committed to military families and children, and thanks them for the support and contributions they make on behalf of their Soldiers.

The garrison command team, Col. John Ives and Command Sgt. Maj. Terrina Anderson, expressed the importance of this month in their Month of the Military Child Proclamation.

“Together, we commit to providing military children and youth the sustenance for mental and physical wellbeing, compassion during hard times, and the resources to enhance their ability to overcome life’s trials,” the proclamation read.

The Army continues to anticipate and address the evolving needs of Soldiers and families to ensure they are healthy, ready and self-reliant, and the Fort Huachuca community remains steadfast in its support of our military families, especially the military children.

“This commitment is unwavering as we maintain excellence in childcare, youth programs and school support to posture military children and youth to face anything,” the proclamation continued, “no matter where their journey takes them.”

Patches For Sale

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station AFS

Crash Fire Rescue Cfr USAF Patch Florida Fl