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Scott firefighters train with local departments

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Firefighters from Scott Air Force Base teamed up with local community fire departments June 21 for a training exercise together at Air Mobility Command headquarters.

Because of the sensitivity and mission of the building along with the number of officers who work there, this exercise is unique, according to Chief Paul Kempton, acting 375th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief.

"We haven't even had the opportunity to drill on it ourselves in almost 10 years," he said. "The last time was right after Sept. 11, 2001. This will be the first time at this scale in over 12 years that we have had this many firefighters here at one time."

The exercise included more than 50 firefighters and 17 manned vehicles. During the exercise a fire was simulated on the southeast corner of the building.

"The primary purpose of this exercise is to provide a mutual aid training session with all our surrounding fire departments, and to get them familiar with the building and area in case they might have to come out and help us some time," said Chief Kempton. "We just need to be prepared in case a fire does occur in the future."

The eight-member crew from the O'Fallon fire department was briefed prior to their arrival on their roles in the training scenario. During the scenario they served as an interior attack crew, fighting the fire inside and also an exterior suppression unit setting up ladders outside to fight the fire.

"The communications and the cooperation between all the departments went well," said Gary Stein, O'Fallon fire department deputy chief. "We learned that it takes operation and cooperation with all the other departments to get the job done."