Firefighter Experience Helps CNRH Deputy Emergency Manager Remain Cool Under Pressure

Story by Kyler Hood July 1, 2026 at 10:03PM When disaster strikes, Neil Fujioka is the “calm in the storm.” Fujioka’s unflappable composure makes him well suited for his role as deputy emergency manager for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH), where he helps direct risk mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response for all Navy installations across Oahu and Kauai. “We're often thrust into action during the worst times, the most stressful times, and surrounded by people who are often very, very stressed out and on edge,” said Will Luna, CNRH emergency manager. “An emergency manager, being able to come into that situation and coolly, calmly direct action and get people on the right path is really what it's all about for us, and Neil exhibited that ability from day one.” Fujioka attributes his calm demeanor to his nearly three decades of experience as a federal firefighter. “It’s a muscle I spent my entire career building,” he noted.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/569224/firefighter-experience-helps-cnrh-deputy-emergency-manager-remain-cool-under-pressure"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9787672/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Firefighter Experience Helps CNRH Deputy Emergency Manager Remain Cool Under Pressure" /></a>

Bridging the flames: How one Reserve firefighter brings civilian grit to the flightline

Story by 1st Lt. Heather Cozad Staley June 29, 2026 at 07:00PM In the fire service, there are two distinct worlds. On the military side, the focus is heavily on prevention, ensuring that disasters on the flightline or in structural buildings never happen in the first place. On the civilian side, firefighters operate in a world of daily unpredictability and chaos. For Master Sgt. Kora Nan, a 446th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, living in both worlds is exactly what makes him an invaluable asset. As a civilian firefighter with the South King Fire, Nan faces constant, high-stress emergencies. As an Air Force Reserve member, he brings the hard-earned adaptability and resilience from those civilian streets straight to his military team. His breadth of experience brings a unique, operational strength that elevates the readiness of his entire flight.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568951/bridging-flames-one-reserve-firefighter-brings-civilian-grit-flightline"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9778645/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Bridging the flames: How one Reserve firefighter brings civilian grit to the flightline" /></a>

Training with Fire

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis June 26, 2026 at 02:38PM In an era where technology has transformed the way people learn, work, and connect, some skills are still best learned the old fashioned way: face to face and hands on. For firefighters assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, this meant traveling to North Carolina over the spring to train on live jet fuel fires. This training brought a level of realism many of them had never experienced before despite years of protecting aircraft at the Burlington International Airport and surrounding communities.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568700/training-with-fire"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9775949/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Training with Fire" /></a>

NAF Atsugi Hosts CNRJ Fire Academy Graduation

Story by Taylor Ardito June 26, 2026 at 01:16AM Today nine Master Labor Agreement (MLA) recruits earned the title of firefighter during a graduation ceremony onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568638/naf-atsugi-hosts-cnrj-fire-academy-graduation"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9774424/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="NAF Atsugi Hosts CNRJ Fire Academy Graduation" /></a>

Army Reserve Medic Brings Combat Trauma Experience to Civilian Fire Service

Story by Staff Sgt. Jerry Zuetrong June 23, 2026 at 04:12PM For Sgt. Abbie Muterspaw, serving as an Army Reserve combat medic and working as a civilian firefighter-paramedic are more than two separate careers. They are complementary callings built around service, readiness and helping others during their most critical moments.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568400/army-reserve-medic-brings-combat-trauma-experience-civilian-fire-service"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9768176/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Army Reserve Medic Brings Combat Trauma Experience to Civilian Fire Service" /></a>