Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | (Left) Former Commander Navy Region Japan Fire Department (CNRJ RFD) Crew Chief Tetsuo...... read more read more
YOKOSUKA, Japan - Firefighters retired from Commander Naval Forces, Japan (CNFJ) Regional Fire Department on board Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, June 27.
Crew Chief Tetsuo Fujita, 62 years old, served for 40 years and driver Takashi Innami, 61 years old, served for 33 years. Both trained to be firefighters in Japan and then joined the on base fire department in 1973 and 1980 respectively. Between the two of them, they served the area for decades and retired with a formal ceremony. Through a translator they shared their stories.
“When I started working there, I tried to work hard because I didn’t know everything yet, I just wanted to do the best I could,” said Minnami. “It was a rare opportunity to work in two countries, Japan and America. I experienced a different culture and a different way to think. I learned a lot.”
Fujita remembered how much has changed in his professional and personal life.
“When I started working here I also started a family so I had to work very hard for my family. I didn’t have a lot of time to think about anything else, just work and my family,” said Fujita. “Now, the ups and downs of my life are getting more calm. It has become a friendly atmosphere working here.”
In the beginning of their careers, the fire department operated very differently than it does today. Its single focus was on fighting fires. During their time with the department they learned new skills and worked under the broadening scope of what it means to be a firefighter.
“When I started working, I found it difficult to develop a relationship with people on base because it was difficult to communicate; we didn’t speak the same language. Also, all the equipment and systems were so different from Japanese ones. The techniques were so different,” said Fujita. “Now, we have trained to do rope rescue, CPR, confined spaces rescue, dealing with hazardous materials, water rescue and other techniques. There has been such an increase in knowledge and responsibilities.”
According to Fujita, the two of them have responded to many incidents in their careers, too many to count during the 40 years they served, but some of the calls stay with them.
“Right after I started working there was a big fire in Koshiba near a big oil tank,” said Minnami. “It was a very large fire and I can still clearly remember the flames. It’s something that will always be with me.”
Now, looking towards a life outside of the fire department, both men expect that their lives will become very different in the next few months and years.
“I’m going to miss working on base because after I retire I won’t be able to come through the gate any more. I’ll really miss being able to go to my work here on base,” said Fujita. “I’m going to join a volunteer group so I can continue to help people.”
Then, Fujita laughed and jokingly added, “or if they have an opening I’ll come back and work at the fire station part time.”
Minnami plans to relax and enjoy a less stressful routine.
“It’s going to be odd to not come here every day,” said Minnami. “I don’t have a particular plan yet but maybe I’ll travel around Japan and I’ll think about what I want to do.”
Their fellow firefighters and department staff held a retirement ceremony and bowling party to send off the two.
Firefighter retirements usually include military style honors, but instead of firing a battery or rendering a salute, these firefighters marked their retirement with the sounding of their last bell call which signifies that they are heading out of the station for the last time.
“Both of them have spent many years of their lives protecting military and civilian lives, it’s been a real honor to work with them,” said Neil Hogan, installation fire chief. “We’re sad to see them go and wish them the best of luck.”
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2013 04:08 |
| Story ID: | 110442 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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