NCFD visits JB Charleston, creates partnership

Photo By Joshua Maund | A North Charleston Fire Department truck sits in front of a C-17 Globemaster III on the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. May 2, 2018. Firefighters from NCFD station 10 toured the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department. The visit benefits both JB Charleston and NCFD by establishing a line of communication. The relationship paves the way for possible training opportunities and future coordinated response efforts.  

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.02.2018

Story by Airman Joshua Maund 

Joint Base Charleston

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Firefighters from North Charleston Fire Department station 10 toured the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. May 2, 2018.
The relationship supplements both Joint Base Charleston and the NCFD by establishing a line of communication. The relationship paves the way for possible training opportunities and future coordinated response efforts.
“It is a great opportunity to foster a working relationship with the base,” said Matt Rhoton, NCFD division chief.
The tour began with 628th CES Fire Department providing a mission brief and a tour of the firehouse as well as some of the vehicles and equipment they use to support their mission. The presentation gave NCFD officials a better understanding of the base’s emergency response capabilities.
“Bringing them on base and providing insight to the mission only strengthens our response efforts and capabilities,” said Tech. Sgt. Roger Kemp, 628th CES firefighter. “Having the support of the local community is vital to the success of our mission.”
The firefighters from the NCFD station 10, due to their close proximity to JB Charleston, refer to themselves as the “Landing Strip.” One of the participants in the tour has a unique perspective on the relationship. Eric McKenzie, NCFD station 10 assistant engineer, is also a 315th Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Flight firefighter.
“Working for both fire departments, I see a lot of similarities in training and response methods,” said McKenzie. “I am able to take what I learn from each firehouse and utilize the training and ideas to compliment the procedures already in place. The job is ever evolving and having the most exposure and training possible allows me to best serve both Joint Base Charleston and the Charleston community.”
Whether internal or interagency, teamwork is vital to the success of JB Charleston and its role within the Air Mobility Command.
“No matter if it is Air Force or civilian, the comradery between first responders is strong,” said McKenzie. “Partnerships like this increase the cohesiveness between firehouses and other emergency response agencies.”

• Date Taken: 05.02.2018
• Date Posted: 12.28.2018 10:29
• Story ID: 305560
• Location: CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US