Fairchild firefighters respond to off-base incident Published March 24, 2016 By Scott King 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash -- On March 23, the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department responded to an off-base house fire to assist firefighters from the Spokane District 10 Fire District. Fairchild crews arrived on scene at 7:22 a.m. with an incident safety officer and an engine crew. Upon their arrival, they were assigned as the rapid intervention crew and also provided medical care to the single occupant. One Fairchild firefighter appreciates the experience he gets working with off base emergency responders. "Gaining experience from our neighboring districts keeps us working together on a same page mentality," said Senior Airman Aaron Jarone, 92nd CES firefighter. "Working with them is very valuable, the more our districts help each other, the better service the community is provided." The fire was located in the back bedroom of the house and also spread to a couch that was removed and extinguished. Training is a key factor in all the successes of the Fairchild Fire Department. "The Air Force goes to great lengths to ensure our firefighters are trained and ready for a wide range of emergencies," said Lt. Col. Ross Gleason, 92nd CES commander. "This response highlights the importance of that training not only for our base mission, but also for the capabilities our firefighters bring to the local community. Our Airmen did an outstanding job during this response and I'm proud to be their squadron commander." The Fairchild on-scene commander for the response realizes the importance of working hand-in-hand with local emergency responders. "What we bring to the fight is vital to not only the community, but also valuable experience for our young Firefighters to witness said Shawn Welch, 92nd CES firefighter captain. "I am very thankful for our relationships we have built for our community. I have personally witnessed multiple occasions where people involved were very thankful Fairchild was there to help. At first they're surprised the Air Force is helping, but appreciative of the fact that we care about their emergency." District 10 and the Medical Lake Fire Department leadership were glad Fairchild was able to respond and assist. "We sent an engine to this call as well," said Jason Mayfield, Medical Lake Fire Department fire chief. "I've had the privilege of having crews from Fairchild respond to several fires in our jurisdiction over the last couple years. They always provide a great response with very knowledgeable and hardworking crews. This mutual relationship allows for response of specialty resources we simply cannot provide on our own - Fairchild crews are a tremendous asset to everyone, and without a doubt have saved property and lives." Fairchild responders for the fire were: Shawn Welch, 92nd CES firefighter captain; Senior Airman Boandrew Weissenburger, 92nd CES firefighter; Senior Airman Aaron Jarone, 92nd CES firefighter; Airman 1st Class William Baldanko, 92nd CES firefighter; Antonio Aguilar, 92nd CES firefighter; Safety Crew: Dean Deguzman, 92nd CES assistant chief; Master Sgt. Byran Webber, 92nd CES assistant chief.