FORT CARSON, Colo. –Just like their counterparts in the civilian world, Army firefighters are responsible for protecting property and lives from fires. These unique Soldiers control and prevent fires not only in Army buildings but on Army Aircraft as well.
The firefighters assigned to 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division recently received some new equipment.
“When I first came to Fort Carson almost five years ago our truck was nowhere near working condition,” said Sgt. Darryl Trent, firefighter, 60th OD, 68th CSSB, 4SB, 4th Inf. Div. “We sent it off to get fixed and I thought that I would never see it again. I’m not going to lie, when the truck came, back I got super excited.”
With the addition of the M1142, Tactical Fire Fighting Truck, the firefighters could see their mission expand.
“We can now potentially pull the team back into the fold to help with training exercises,” said Capt. Tyler Hoff, commander, 60th OD, 68th CSSB, 4SB, 4th Inf. Div. “They will continue to be utilized as installation support. But now they have the option to help support training or help support the airfield.”
Being a firefighter can make Soldier life more difficult.
“Going to range to qualify can be more troublesome as a firefighter,” Trent said. “However the main problem I’ve noticed coming up through the Army, is making sure we don’t lose our military bearing. We’re always wearing a civilian uniform, away from the Army lifestyle, it’s very easy to lose track of where you come from.
Military firefighters do much more than fight fires.
“We perform inspections to help minimize fire dangers, and respond to hazardous materials spills,” said Staff Sgt. Donald Williams, lead firefighter, 60th OD, 68th CSSB, 4SB, 4th Inf. Div. “We can assist civilian fire departments when needed. We can take EMT, (emergency medical technician), courses so we’re able provide first aid to accident victims.”
For now the firefighters are preparing themselves and their new vehicle to best serve the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
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Date Taken: | 06.05.2020 |
Date Posted: | 07.15.2020 14:55 |
Story ID: | 373558 |
Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
Hometown: | MANSFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
Web Views: | 34 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Firefighting Soldiers, by SGT James Geelen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.