Barksdale firefighters conduct joint training with Bossier City fire department

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., --  Joint training between the Bossier City, La., fire department and Barksdale firefighters was conducted July 28 and 29. Both drills took place at night in the old east side housing area here, which is currently undergoing demolition.

The training scenario involved a tornado touching down causing multiple simulated emergencies, which would prompt a multi-agency response joint training with the Bossier City fire department. Four houses were used to simulate two fires, a building collapse and a gas leak.

"We created this scenario to challenge our firefighters," said Tech. Sgt. Kavan Moniz, assistant chief for safety and compliance. "This type of training is beneficial because our firefighters can actually see their strengths and weaknesses, and we can praise and correct where and when it's necessary," he added.

The training is designed to run like an actual nighttime emergency. The initial response will only have four firefighters on scene, requiring each member of the team to rely on previous training to start and complete the task. The initial response crew will have to quickly prioritize what task they will perform, as it will be impossible for one crew to complete this emergency alone, stated Moniz.

"Working together with the local community raises overall response readiness of our Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Craig Spears, assistant chief for training. "It is like any team event, teams practice together for the 'big game,'" he added.

Working with the community fire departments will raise both agencies' confidence in each other since they get a chance to learn from each other," said Spears.

The training was designed to provide quality, realistic training for both agencies and to identify any issues that may arise in a training environment as opposed to a real emergency. Practicing together helps familiarize response crews with each other, allowing for crews not to have to meet for the first time on an emergency scene, added Spears.

"We at the Bossier City Fire Department are excited about entering into this mutual aid agreement and participating in joint training exercises with the Barksdale Fire Department," said Steve Pennell, deputy chief of fire operations, Bossier City Fire Department.

"The agreement is equally important for each department so that we sort of set the ground rules and know each other's role in advance of an incident," said Pennell. Under the agreement, each agency may be called to respond to support the operations and work under the command and control of the requesting agency, he added.

Conducting joint training ensures a smooth operation in the event of a real world joint response. It is imperative that Barksdale crews are familiar with the Bossier City Fire Department, said Spears.

Training like this facilitates a safer and more efficient response, resulting in a positive outcome, he concluded.