Firefighters: Protecting those who defend America

  • Published
  • By Chris Willis
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  When the call comes in, the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron fire department is ready to respond.  Crews operate on 24-hour shifts and must be in full gear and out the door within 60 seconds from the moment an alarm sounds. The Malmstrom Fire Emergency Services Flight provides an all-hazards emergency response capability, along with command and control for the base.
 
"Many people don't know that the department is much more than just dirt and water, there are many capabilities the firefighters can provide," said Tech. Sgt. Jared Dudden, 341st CES fire department station captain.

The FES flight provides support 24/7 year round by 43 military and civilian firefighters.
 
"Our flight is capable of responding to fires, hazardous materials releases, medical emergencies, confined space rescues, ice rescues, vehicle accidents and other rescue instances where people may be trapped," said Daniel Dodson, 341st CES fire department deputy fire chief.

In addition to protecting the wing's mission, the FES flight has 49 mutual aid agreements with firefighting agencies around the county and state.  These agencies will act as first responders to any fire-related emergencies in the field. 

"Our flight would respond and take over emergency response operations and provide command and control to emergencies in the missile field," said Dodson.

The FES flight also supports mutual aid requests from fire agencies surrounding the base.  In this case, they send personnel and equipment to assist with firefighting, rescue or hazardous materials emergencies. 

"It's getting to be that time of year when farmers perform control fires and we are ready to aid in the prevention of a wildfire," said Senior Airman James Weaver, 341st CES fire department protection driver.

The Malmstrom FES flight mission statement is:  "Protect our installation's people, property and environment while also supporting the Global Mission."

"We provide this service first and foremost with a robust fire prevention program ensuring a safe working and living environment," said Dodson.  "There is no nobler mission than protecting other human beings from harm and ensuring mission continuation."