CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — The firemen of the Basra Fire Department on Contingency Operating Base Basra dedicate themselves to protecting the service members stationed here. So much so, their motto is, "Protecting those who protect freedom."
In addition to providing a means of fighting fires, these firemen provide other services as well.
One of their missions is conducting building safety inspections throughout the base to look for anything that can cause or fuel a fire.
"We do a lot of fire prevention services for the base," said Gary Garrison, chief of the Basra Fire Dept. "We look for things before it becomes a hazard that can ultimately hurt Soldiers."
"We also serve as first responders to anyone needing medical attention," the Abilene, Texas, native said. "We can also assist in the event of a mass casualty emergency."
"We don't hire anyone who isn't fully qualified to handle the circumstances that may arise here," Garrison said. "A lot of the workers are prior military and also firemen back home in the States."
He also said service members are doing a good job in preventing fires. He said he is surprised there aren't as many fires on COB Basra as on other contingency and forward operating bases throughout Iraq and credits it with service members being safety conscious in their areas.
Garrison thanks all service members for what they do and reminds them the Basra Fire Dept. is here to keep them safe.
"That's the main thing we are here for," Garrison said, "to keep you safe so you can go [outside the wire] and keep us safe. You guys put your lives in danger every day for us, and I want you to know these firefighters would put their lives down for you any day."