GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The National Fire Prevention week concluded with the 13th Annual Fire Muster Challenge Oct. 12.
This year’s motto is, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
The week began with a proclamation signing by Col. Ricky Mills, 17th Training Wing commander, on Oct. 9. The Norma Brown building executed a fire evacuation drill shortly afterward. The Fire Prevention team opened the Mobile Safety House, a trailer designed to simulate a house fire and proper evacuation techniques, Oct 10. On Oct. 11, the Goodfellow Fire Department did a child seat inspection. The inspection educates parents and guardians how to secure their children safely.
“This week helps service members prepare fire prevention,” said Goodfellow Fire Department Assistant Chief, Jason Garcia. “I really just put the campaign message out there, look, listen, learn and be aware. Fire can happen anywhere. It’s all part of the ongoing thing that we do every year to go ahead and make sure people are paying attention at work, at home and everywhere else to make it look safer.”
The fire muster course challenged teams of four with multiple obstacles. Beginning with a kettle ball run over 100-foot, teams then carried a 150-pound litter and individually pulled weighted sleds over 100-foot. Then members crawled blindly through the confined space trainer, a wooden obstacle designed to simulate a claustrophobic environment. Next, they threw out two fire hoses, which they had to roll back up. Finally, participants had to carry a charged fire hose and shoot a target to complete the challenge.
“The purpose of today’s fire muster is to allow community people an opportunity to interact with our firefighters,” said Garcia. “It is a really fun and entertaining way to see our work. The teams have to do a lot of team work to pass the competition.”
A member of team “Purple People Eaters” shared his experience on the course.
“Tired, not even halfway through and I felt like I was hunched over huffing and puffing,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Hetlage, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist. “It definitely gives you a respect to what firefighters go through. I think the Purple People Eaters did pretty good. It was a fun event, and it was gratifying to complete it with my team. I can’t wait to try and best our time next year.”
Garcia also hopes the event continues.
“We are very grateful that we can spend this time with our community,” said Garcia. “We got all the support we need this year, and we hope to provide this again next year.”