Ordnance company Soldiers first to train at civilian firefighting center

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Wyatt | ANSBACH, Germany – Sgt. Richard Vidot and Pvt. Keith Waite, 23rd Ord. Co., 18th Combat Sustainment Support Bn., firefighters respond to a fuel tanker fire during training at the Urlas Firefighting Training Center on Aug. 30. (Courtesy photo)  

ANSBACH, GERMANY

08.30.2016

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

ANSBACH, Germany – Firefighters in full gear worked to put out flames roaring up the side of a tanker at at Urlas Firefighting Training Center on Aug. 30.

These firefighters weren’t the typical Dalmatian loving heroes, but Soldiers from 23rd Ordnance Co., 18th Combat Sustainment Support Bn.

Normally, the only Army firefighting training center in Europe is used to train Department of the Army civilians, but opened its doors to the troops for a full day of learning and practice.

“The training helped my development as a future lead firefighter and was the best training I’ve ever received,” said Spc. Gentry Grant, a Friendsville, Tenn. native. “We started fighting fires in the morning and ended in the evening.”

The crews worked with German crews on live fire extinguishment, vehicles, structures, hazardous materials, and aircraft. U.S. and German firefighters shared techniques to improve their skills.

“We worked with local nationals at the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Fire Department and got the training we needed to maintain readiness,” said Sgt. Michael Bothwell, a Fort Collins, Colo. native.

As the only training center for firefighters in Europe, Urlas trains military and civilian firefighters on hazardous materials response, fire ground operations, rescue operations, and maintenance.

• Date Taken: 08.30.2016
• Date Posted: 09.28.2016 04:47
• Story ID: 210794
• Location: ANSBACH, DE