Fire department equipped to save lives, support Aviano community

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron participate in a fire training exercise, May 29, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The Fire Emergency Services Flight provides fire, rescue and pre-hospital medical emergency services to Team Aviano. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

06.02.2015

Story by Senior Airman Areca Wilson 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - Arriving a few moments too late to an incident can mean the difference between life and death. So a firefighter's actions are imperative to reducing structural damage and loss of life.

Airmen from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department aim to provide world-class fire prevention and emergency response services for Team Aviano.

"Our goal is to prevent or reduce injury and loss of life, and minimize damage to property and the environment, regardless of whether we are [here] or abroad," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Michael Patterson, 31 CES deputy fire chief. "In order for us to achieve these objectives, we must continuously evaluate community risks and the scope of services that we must deliver."

The Fire Emergency Services flight's core services include: fire responds, pre-hospital medical emergencies, freeing individuals from automobile and equipment accidents, to name just a few.

In order to provide these important services, Airmen train on a regular basis, and are constantly learning and perfecting their trade.

"Our firefighters spend a majority of their day focused on improving their skill-sets through training," said Patterson. "There are several regulations that dictate the type and frequency of training [such as] National Fire Protection Association standards, Occupational Safety and Health Association regulations, Department of Defense Instructions, Air Force Instructions and the Career Field Education and Training Plan."

Though these guidelines mandate what training is required by each Airman, U.S. Air Force Capt. John Kim, 31 CES FES training observer, is confident they are always pushing their standard of service.

"They're always trying to get better," Kim said. "They have a lot of pride in themselves. I think it's one of the motivators that have helped get them to where they are. I've had the opportunity to work in four out of six sections within CES and these guys are truly among the best."

Kim explained that although the Airmen work over 120 hours every two weeks, they always ensure their readiness.

In addition to providing these services, the FES flight contributes to building and sustaining relations with the Italian Air Force and the local community. These relationships are essential to help support over 40 major Aviano and host nation community events on an annual basis.

With any job, Airmen can experience setbacks.

"Each day we face [manpower] challenges resulting from [U.S. European Command] and [U.S. Air Forces Central Command] taskings, and Weapons Training Deployments," Patterson explained. "[But we're still] dedicated to supporting inspections, wing details, on- and off-base tours and joint training [opportunities] with our host nation, Italian Air Force firefighters."

Although these Airmen must retain readiness at all times, they are proud to be given the opportunity to essentially act as the wing's insurance plan.

"It's a great feeling knowing that people look up to us to take care of any situation that comes up whether it's a car accident or fire," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grey Tedford, 31 CES firefighter. "We take care of the base; we take care of the property. If we weren't here a lot of that wouldn't get accomplished."

• Date Taken: 06.02.2015
• Date Posted: 06.02.2015 10:19
• Story ID: 165179
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT