Training at Moody strengthens relations with local firefighters

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Equipment clanks and radio chatter echoes around Moody Air Force Base's large frame aircraft trainer. 23rd Wing and local Valdosta, Ga., firefighters are at base training to work together and fight aircraft fires.

This is a normal day for Moody firefighters, but for the Valdosta Fire Department firefighters, this is a unique training opportunity.

Valdosta and Moody firefighters gather around the mock C-130 to practice real life scenarios involving aircraft.

"The purpose of the training is to simulate an aircraft crash," said fire Sgt. John Herpin, VFD aerial platform driver. "One of the wings is broken. There will be fire on the exterior and interior of the aircraft. Our job is to take care of the flames on the exterior and move to the interior to clear that as well."

The training spans two days to train all Moody and Valdosta firefighters.

"There will be 10 scenarios," said Master Sgt. Dennis Russ, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services assistant chief for operations. "Nine scenarios will be conducted with firefighters on the ground and one in which the trucks will drive around the crash and fight the fire using the turrets.

"We are required to perform this training quarterly, but usually do it monthly," he added. "The VFD is required to get the training annually."

The training is vital for both Moody and Valdosta firefighters.

"It's important to work together because VFD does not have a large frame aircraft trainer," Sergeant Russ said. "In the case of a major accident, it would use most of our resources and we will need to know how to work together."

Valdosta firefighters use this training to prepare for possible real-world accidents.

"There have been instances in the past where we have been called to standby for instances involving aircraft," said Sgt. Richard Alderman VFD firefighter.

Without the support of Moody, the VFD would have to travel much further to receive the same training.

"It's always a pleasure to come out here," said Walter Williams, VFD firefighter. "We don't get a chance to come out here as much as we want. The training here is important because we don't have the resources to do this training ourselves. It's an honor for me to work with them."

This training is also an opportunity to strengthen relations with the local fire department and increase efficiency of Moody and Valdosta firefighters.

"We have an excellent relationship with the VFD," Sergeant Russ said. "Local firefighters come down and train at Moody every year. VFD firefighters are already talking about getting two buildings downtown and training with us there on structural fires."

By working together, Moody and Valdosta firefighters train like they fight. This crucial training will ensure these firefighters can work together whenever the time comes.