Mutual Aid Agreements Benefit Local Communities and NWS Yorktown/Cheatham Annex

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sonja Wickard | 190205-N-HV059-1072 WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Feb. 5, 2019) Members of the York County Fire and Rescue Department and Navy Region Fire and Rescue Mid-Atlantic treat simulated wounds during an active shooter drill held at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Cheatham Annex for Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain 2019 (CSSC19). CSSC19 is a two-part anti-terrorism force protection exercise that is being conducted nationwide on installations, Feb 4-15. The annual exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but is used to evaluate the readiness and effectiveness of fleet and installation security programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sonja Wickard/Released)  

YORKTOWN, VA, UNITED STATES

10.25.2021

Story by Susanne Greene 

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

Yorktown, VA – Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Security Forces and Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services (NWS Yorktown/CAX) work with civilian and government partners to provide security and emergency services to both the installation and surrounding communities.

NWS Yorktown Security Forces partner with Newport News Police Department, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, National Park Rangers, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, NCIS, U.S. Coast Guard, Secret Service and other federal agencies.

“By working with our local partners we are able to support one another by sharing special capabilities among first responders,” stated Lieutenant Jared T. Leighty, Installation Security Officer. “Furthermore, we train together to ensure that tactics, techniques and procedures, equipment, training and personnel proficiency promote interoperability with our mission partners to the maximum extent possible.”

NWS Yorktown Security Forces are not the only department that works with community partners. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services (NWS Yorktown/CAX) have mutual aid agreements with Newport News, James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg as well as partnerships with Fort Eustis and Camp Peary.

“Due to limited personnel and equipment, our agreements benefit our mutual aid partners and NWS Yorktown during major incidents and times when either Fire & Emergency Services Systems are overwhelmed with emergency calls,” stated Christopher Payne, District Fire Chief, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services. “The agencies are able to support each other in order to meet the needs of the communities.”

In 2020, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services answered 968 emergency incidents, most of those being fire alarms and medical emergencies onboard NWS Yorktown and Cheatham Annex. They gave mutual aid to 51 incidents, with county stations while they were responding to other emergency calls. NWS Yorktown and Cheatham Annex received assistance 8 times, from community partners, primarily with medical emergencies.

“On any given day, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services (NWS Yorktown/CAX) staff stations with 13 personnel for 1 ambulance, 2 fire engines, 1 Quint Aerial Device (specialized fire truck) and 1 Battalion Chief. Our mutual aid agreements are essential to mission success of our Fire & Emergency Services,” stated Payne.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2021
• Date Posted: 10.25.2021 08:52
• Story ID: 407900
• Location: YORKTOWN, VA, US