LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Working 24-hour shifts, donning 50-to 70-pounds of equipment
in seconds and responding to life threatening situations without hesitation is a
glimpse into what it takes to be a 19th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department
firefighter.
After completing four months of rigorous technical training,
a gratifying career protecting the U.S Air Force community and its resources around
the globe will likely follow.
“It takes heart and dedication to become a firefighter,”
said Staff Sgt. Justin Caldwell, 19th CES Fire Protection journeyman. “It’s a
physically demanding job — I’m not a big guy but there are plenty of people my
size or bigger that can do it as long as they have the drive.”
For a Little Rock AFB firefighter, an average day consists of
maintaining an unparalleled 24-hour mental and physical readiness.
“It’s our lifestyle,” said Airman 1st Class Tevado Beckford,
19th CES Fire Protection apprentice, “People’s lives are in our hands so we
have to go the extra mile. We have to have a drive to push ourselves to become
physically and mentally stronger.”
To stay physically fit, the Airmen trade in their firehose
for dumbbells in the department’s gym. They also perform physical training
tailored to improving their emergency response duties by incorporating their tools
and practices in work outs.
The firefighters also conduct live-fire training and drills
to keep their skill set sharp.
Live-fire training gives the firefighters a controlled
environment to extinguish an unpredictable element, while drills and exercises
help them sustain a rapid response time.
Fighters also ensure their equipment and vehicles are fully operable
by performing weekly inspection checks.
Once all tasks are complete, the Airmen have time to unwind in
the department’s dormitories, living area or kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed
yet on a moment’s notice, the emergency alarm could sound making the department
come alive as Airmen don their trousers, coats, boots and gloves in seconds.
“I always tell them once you hear the alarm go off act like
you’re going to your family’s house,” Caldwell said. “You want the best people
to be on call for your family so make sure you do that for everyone else on
this base.”
Although their job requires an unparalleled dedication,
morale is never lacking as the Airmen lean on each other for support.
“We spend 24 hours here so we grow to know each other beyond
the uniform — we are a family,” Caldwell said.