Photo By Kyle Gese | Cory Brinkley, (left), and Lt. R.J. Rivera, (right), both firefighters from the 82nd...... read more read more
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SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - The 82nd Training Wing Fire Department received a new P-22 engine and welcomed it to the fleet with a traditional housing ceremony, May 8, 2015.
Using vehicles to help fight fires, dates back to an era when firefighters had horse-drawn wagons – what we today call fire trucks. Horses were only able to pull the wagon forward and could not push it backward.
Whenever a team of firefighters needed to push the wagon in reverse, they would need to unlatch the wagon and push it themselves. What seemed to be a major setback was actually a major improvement. No longer did firefighters need to break the glass for a wooden bucket.
Today, fire departments celebrate receiving a new engine by manually pushing the trucks into the fire station to honor their centuries old heritage.
“Our firefighters continually uphold the highest of standards,” said David Mounsey, 82nd Training Wing fire chief. “Today’s ceremony was one of the ways we, as a team, showcase our traditions and heritage in an ever-changing Air Force.”
Welcoming the new engine was part of the fire department’s vehicle replacement program. The newly gained P-22 increased the department’s capability by allowing them to carry five firefighters instead of a traditional four passenger truck.
The engine also included special features such as a compressed air foam system, extra seating and an energy saving trait that shuts down the engine if it is left idle for two minutes. After shutting down, the truck’s generator turns on to power the remaining tasks to accomplish the mission.
“We constantly train to ensure our firefighters are ready to carry out any lifesaving task they may encounter in the field,” he said. “In addition to training for emergency situations, we like to put emphasis on the prevention aspect of our job in an effort to reduce or eliminate avoidable fires.”
The 82nd TRW Fire Department also works directly with local authorities, building a partnership with the local community.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2015 16:35 |
| Story ID: | 162749 |
| Location: | SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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