Life saving inspection

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Aaron Tietje, left, and Aaron Sundheimer, emergency medical technicians with the Grissom Fire Department, perform an inspection on one their first responder kits. Grissom's first responders routinely travel outside the confines of the base to provide emergency treatment to those in need. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays)

Jaws of life

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Jason, Cahill, left, shows Amn. David Culhane how to inspect the jaws of life tool carried on their first responder vehicle. Both firemen are new to the department, with Airman Culhane participating in the seasoning training program to help him become upgraded and fully trained as fast as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays)

Grissom firefighters tops in command

Published June 23, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Carl Berry
434 ARW Public Affairs staff

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom Fire Department's motto of "always ready, always capable" has helped them receive the Air Force Reserve Command Medium Fire Department of the Year award.

A couple of the departments highlights for 2010 include successfully providing airway and rescue breathing to a 6-year-old girl who was injured in a two-car collision, and responding to an overturned semi-truck that had a hazardous material spill.

"Everyone is really proud of the award; they feel they are one of the premier fire departments within Air Force Reserve Command," said John Ireland, Grissom Fire Department chief. "I am really proud of the guys -- they have done a lot of work and are deserving of the award."

The fire department will now compete for the Department of Defense award for the medium-unit fire department of the year in August.

The DOD award is a competition between all branches of the military and is intended to recognize a unit's heroism, devotion to service and skill.

"The base should be proud, because this award is the result of good senior leadership and the support of the Grissom community," said Chief Ireland.

The 434th ARW is the largest is KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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