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Holloman's annual Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

(Editor's note: Last names are being withheld due to operational requirements.)

The annual Fire Prevention Week, held by the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, kicked off Oct. 5, 2016, here.

During the week, members of the 49th CES Fire Protection Flight spread fire safety and prevention information by visiting schools and several base organizations, such as the child development center, the base mini-mart and the AAFES Mall. They performed fire drills, educated people on the proper fire extinguisher usage, and stressed the importance of changing smoke alarm batteries semi-annually.

“This is a departmental team effort,” said Harvey B. Stevens, the assistant fire chief with the 49th CES. “From the person who rides in the back of the truck, all the way up to the fire chief, we’re all involved, we’re all dedicated to the same thing; we’ve got to spread the word for fire prevention. The more prevention we have, the less loss of life we have.”

The 49th CES also hosted several activities, including a firefighter muster challenge and a parade.

The challenge was a two-hour event, open to all Airmen, and was designed to simulate the physical stressors firefighters encounter on a daily basis. Competitors were fitted in flame retardant suits and raced against the clock to complete a variety of tasks, including dummy drags and hose pulls.

Fire Prevention Week concluded with a parade. Firefighters with the 49th CES piled into fire trucks, armed with several bags of candy and visited children and families within the Soaring Heights community.

“When we go to work, (it’s because) somebody’s having a bad day,” said Airman 1st Class Jeffery, a firefighter driver operator with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron. “That’s when we get called out. This week is nice because we’re able to see the good side (of our job), and see the smiles on people’s faces. We’re not responding to somebody’s worst day, instead, we’re spreading awareness and it’s nice to interact with the community in that way.”