TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
A Tyndall firefighter from the 325th Civil Engineer
Squadron showcased his daily job duties to the 325th Fighter Wing commander here,
April 8, for the Airman Shadow Program.
Staff Sgt. Jacob Banuelos, 325th CES lead firefighter, was
chosen by 325th Mission Support Group leadership to show Col. Derek C. France
the ropes of Air Force firefighting. France toured the firehouse with Banuelos
at his side, learning key aspects of the firefighting career field.
“It was a humbling experience filled with excitement and
anxiety, finding out I was chosen to show the big boss what the fire department
does day to day,” Banuelos said.
Banuelos’ firefighting responsibilities extend to 92
aircraft and more than a thousand facilities. The fire protection of approximately
11,000 personnel and 29,000 acres rests on the shoulders of Tyndall
firefighters. Banuelos plans, schedules and manages activities for 32 shift
personnel, 17 vehicles and maintains a 100 percent response ready posture.
“At times, when I’m called for an emergency, it can be
stressful,” Banuelos said. “But through training and hard work we are prepared
and calm when we have to respond to a stressful event.”
But the stress of representing his unit to the wing
commander was a new, nerve-wracking experience for Banuelos -- but he managed
to get comfortable.
“I enjoy and love what I do, so I found it easy talking to
him once I was able to shake off the nerves,” Banuelos said. “I believe he
obtained a better understanding of what we go through daily and how plans can
change unexpectedly. But he knows we are ready when the time calls for us to
respond to an emergency.”
During the shadow, Banuelos gave France an orientation of
the different sections of the fire department. He showed him fire protection
vehicles and some of the different gear worn for a variety of emergency
responses.
Once that was completed, Banuelos took France for some
training on a P-19 Crash Truck fire engine. After giving France a run-through
of a driving course, it was France’s turn to take the driver seat and the wheel
of the monstrous truck.
“Just as every other time I do one of these, I have a blast
getting to follow these outstanding Airmen,” France said. ”The hard work all
these firefighters perform daily never goes unnoticed. I’m proud of the job
they do year in and year out, and can say with confidence, that Tyndall has the
best fire department in the Air Force.”
After driving the crash truck, Banuelos and France went back
to the fire station where 20 firefighters awaited their return.
“When we were finished, he thanked the firefighters that
surrounded him for the daily work we put in day in day out,” said Banuelos. “He
understands our hectic schedules, and when he sees the fire trucks on a
response, he is happy to know we are there and ready.”