The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Firefighters Head to California
Found on the web- a DOD artical.
Mid-Atlantic Region Firefighters Head to California
Monday, October 29, 2007
By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- With just 12 hours notice, the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Fire and Emergency Services Department mobilized a team of eight firefighters from across the Hampton Roads area to deploy to San Diego.
They will assist with fighting the massive and numerous fires which have been ravaging the Southern California area. The eight volunteers left the morning of Oct. 24 from the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana flightline.When the call went out late in the evening of Oct. 23, "We had no shortage of volunteers," said Mid-Atlantic Region District Fire Chief Ken Snyder, who works at Oceana.
"We solicited volunteers, and had ample volunteers from the region. Then it was a matter of finding transportation to go from the East Coast to the West Coast," Snyder said.
Among the eight volunteers from Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, there were two battalion chiefs, a fire captain and five firefighters. One of the volunteers is also a paramedic and another one is hazardous material technician.
The firefighters are expected to remain in the San Diego area for up to 21 days. They will be staying at one of the Navy Southwest Region's fire stations and are expected to provide fire protection from one of the base's facilities, enabling the Southwest Region's firefighters to assist fighting area fires.
Coordination with Oceana's Air Operations Department and luck played major roles in getting the firefighters out so quickly. Strike Fighter Squadron 34 was scheduled to board a flight to NAS North Island in San Diego on Oct. 24 and there would be a few seats left on a C-40 aircraft - enough for the eight firefighters and their gear.
"Everything fell into place to make the deployment happen," said Snyder.
Firefighters packed their own firefighting equipment, including suits, helmets and boots, breathing apparatuses, all structural gear, along with sleeping essentials such as pillows, blankets and sleeping bags.
Nearly all those heading to the West Coast have families with young children who they would leave behind but firefighter, Lt. Aaron Densley from Naval Station explained, "The families support what we're doing. We want to go out and help any way we can."
Another volunteer from Norfolk Naval Station, Capt. Michael S. Wise echoed the group's feelings about volunteering for the mission when he said, "Just about all firemen you come in contact with would be willing to help; to do what's needed to be done."
"They need relief there so badly and we've always done this -- anytime another fire service puts the call out. Others put the call out - we respond!" Lt. Will Stratton, from Oceana's fire station.
Stratton is well acquainted with the relief efforts of the region's fire and rescue services. He's not just a third generation firefighter, he's the third generation to work out of the Oceana fire station. His father retired as fire captain and his grandfather is also is retired firefighter.
"I always wanted to be a firefighter and I always wanted to work here," said Stratton.
NAS Oceana Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Hunter visited the Oceana flightline shortly before the volunteers' 11:30 a.m. departure, to thank them for their service.
"I greatly appreciate you stepping up to do this. The folks out there are suffering. It's a tough battle. I wish you the best of luck," he said.
But providing extra manpower for the Southern California fires was not the first time Mid-Atlantic Region firefighters have deployed to assist those in the middle of a disaster. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, several volunteers headed to the Gulf Coast to assist their counterparts for several weeks.
"These guys look out for each other. This is truly a regional fire department and being able to share our assets is just part of the job,"
Mid-Atlantic Region Firefighters Head to California
Monday, October 29, 2007
By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- With just 12 hours notice, the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Fire and Emergency Services Department mobilized a team of eight firefighters from across the Hampton Roads area to deploy to San Diego.
They will assist with fighting the massive and numerous fires which have been ravaging the Southern California area. The eight volunteers left the morning of Oct. 24 from the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana flightline.When the call went out late in the evening of Oct. 23, "We had no shortage of volunteers," said Mid-Atlantic Region District Fire Chief Ken Snyder, who works at Oceana.
"We solicited volunteers, and had ample volunteers from the region. Then it was a matter of finding transportation to go from the East Coast to the West Coast," Snyder said.
Among the eight volunteers from Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, there were two battalion chiefs, a fire captain and five firefighters. One of the volunteers is also a paramedic and another one is hazardous material technician.
The firefighters are expected to remain in the San Diego area for up to 21 days. They will be staying at one of the Navy Southwest Region's fire stations and are expected to provide fire protection from one of the base's facilities, enabling the Southwest Region's firefighters to assist fighting area fires.
Coordination with Oceana's Air Operations Department and luck played major roles in getting the firefighters out so quickly. Strike Fighter Squadron 34 was scheduled to board a flight to NAS North Island in San Diego on Oct. 24 and there would be a few seats left on a C-40 aircraft - enough for the eight firefighters and their gear.
"Everything fell into place to make the deployment happen," said Snyder.
Firefighters packed their own firefighting equipment, including suits, helmets and boots, breathing apparatuses, all structural gear, along with sleeping essentials such as pillows, blankets and sleeping bags.
Nearly all those heading to the West Coast have families with young children who they would leave behind but firefighter, Lt. Aaron Densley from Naval Station explained, "The families support what we're doing. We want to go out and help any way we can."
Another volunteer from Norfolk Naval Station, Capt. Michael S. Wise echoed the group's feelings about volunteering for the mission when he said, "Just about all firemen you come in contact with would be willing to help; to do what's needed to be done."
"They need relief there so badly and we've always done this -- anytime another fire service puts the call out. Others put the call out - we respond!" Lt. Will Stratton, from Oceana's fire station.
Stratton is well acquainted with the relief efforts of the region's fire and rescue services. He's not just a third generation firefighter, he's the third generation to work out of the Oceana fire station. His father retired as fire captain and his grandfather is also is retired firefighter.
"I always wanted to be a firefighter and I always wanted to work here," said Stratton.
NAS Oceana Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Hunter visited the Oceana flightline shortly before the volunteers' 11:30 a.m. departure, to thank them for their service.
"I greatly appreciate you stepping up to do this. The folks out there are suffering. It's a tough battle. I wish you the best of luck," he said.
But providing extra manpower for the Southern California fires was not the first time Mid-Atlantic Region firefighters have deployed to assist those in the middle of a disaster. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, several volunteers headed to the Gulf Coast to assist their counterparts for several weeks.
"These guys look out for each other. This is truly a regional fire department and being able to share our assets is just part of the job,"
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
