Nava: A closer look U.S. Air Force Logo July 24, 2023 Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, shows some of the equipment firefighters wear and use at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. Nava was holding a flat-head fire axe, a versatile tool used for smashing windows and doors to create an entry access point or to chop holes in a roof to create ventilation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, explains misconceptions about equipment at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. It is commonly believed that the tank firefighters wear is an oxygen tank; however, it contains clean air that firefighters breathe when entering a contaminated site where it may be hard to breathe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, checks that his mask properly fits his face and can be used operationally at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. The mask firefighters wear is connected to a self-contained breathing apparatus consisting of a fresh air tank, a harness, and pressure regulators. When a firefighter is wearing all of their gear for an active fire situation, it can weigh between 35 and 80 pounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, demonstrates the operation of the HURST Jaws of Life at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. The HURST hydraulic tools were praised because they were able to quickly extricate accident victims and rescue them from the jaws of death, earning the name the “Jaws of Life.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, checks equipment at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. Fire engines are equipped with emergency medical service capabilities; in Texas, firefighters are required to be EMT certified before entering the career field. Nava had to acquire all of his certifications before working at the fire station because he had no military experience or training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Nava: A closer look Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, demonstrates how different equipment functions at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. Fire engines were designed to aid firefighting and rescue operations and carry husk tools, ground ladders, specialized saws, rescue ropes and harnesses, and cutting torches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Burning with passion Justin Nava, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, laughs with his coworkers at the fire station, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2023. Nava was recently brought into the fire department after years of attending public events and volunteering in his spare time on base with the department. Unlike his peers, Nava holds no prior military experience and earned all his training and certifications through local programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madison Collier) Details Download Justin Nava discussed and displayed different types of equipment that firefighters are trained to use, June 30, 2023. Nava recently joined the team at the Goodfellow fire station after years of volunteering and working towards his certifications.