Fairchild fire department 'If you call for help, we will come.'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Zeski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  They operate 24/7 and are a vital asset to Fairchild's mission. They stand ready to respond to a wide variety of emergencies to protect people, aircraft, facilities and equipment.

With an average of more than 600 calls per year, these unsung heroes effectively provide Team Fairchild service members with fire-fighting protection including medical, crash, structural, wild land, hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction emergencies.

"There are so many variables involved with our job," said Staff Sgt. Gregory Shipley, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. "We answer many different calls, so we have to be ready for any situation at all times and think on the fly."

When it comes to training, our firefighters fight simulated aircraft fires using a variety of different strategies that prepares them for real world challenges.

"Our firefighters train in the most realistic way possible and are the highest trained and highest certified firefighters in the county," said William Nowlin, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services chief.

Firefighters are the first to respond to most emergencies. By putting their own lives at risk, they are able to save the lives of neighbors, friends, families, wingmen and complete strangers.

"The best part of the job is being able to get out there and help people in need," said Airman 1st Class Logan Baker, 92nd CES firefighter.

From the outside looking in, our firefighters might seem like superheroes, but like most offices they have their own obstacles.

"Manpower continues to be the biggest challenge the fire department faces as firefighters continuously deploy to support the Air Force's expeditionary forces abroad" said Nowlin.

Whether it's an accidental kitchen fire or an aircraft fire on the flightline their mission remains the same which is to protect those who defend America.

"Firefighters are here 24/7, 365 days a year," said Nowlin. "If you call for help, we will come."