IFD trains Grissom Reserve firefighters Published Sept. 20, 2017 By Senior Airman Cali Wetli 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- When it comes to fighting fires, using the proper technique can be the difference between life and death, and one department recently loaned their own time to teach Grissom those proper techniques. The Indianapolis Fire Department led 434th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighters in technique training Aug. 4 at Grissom Air Refueling Base, Indiana. Airmen from the 434th CES are traditional reservists not associated with Grissom’s Fire Department, but are required to maintain the same qualifications and training as regular fire fighters, said Master Sgt. Christopher Bauchle, 434th CES fire protection apprentice. Lt. Lance Long and Capt. Trever Hanshew, IFD firefighters, volunteered to help Grissom firefighters train and improve their skill set. “Both men are passionate about training and were more than willing to volunteer their time to come to Grissom in the name of giving back to the troops,” said Bauchle. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Long and Hanshew on the job with the Indianapolis Fire Department.” The training consisted of learning the importance of having physical ability, coupled with good technique and body mechanics in order to operate a handline while advancing in a structure fire. “Our handlines flow 150-180 gallons per minute,” said Bauchle. “Ultimately, our end goal is to flow water while efficiently advancing to the seat of the fire.” The entire fire flight of over 30 traditional reserve firefighters participated in the training as an annual requirement. The flight got acquainted with techniques taught from part of the Nozzle Forward course, a course that focuses on hose line management and fire attack. “Chief Dehner and the rest of the fire flight leadership believe the Nozzle Forward mindset and techniques are a best practice when it comes to engine company operations,” Bauchle added. The troops not only learned new techniques, but also had the opportunity to practice many repetitions of the techniques. “Opportunities like this give us the repetitions that are necessary to begin establishing the muscle memory required in high-stress situations,” said Bauchle. Not only do Long and Hanshew work alongside the troops, but they have worked as firefighters in the Indianapolis area for the last 20 years. “We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Long and Hanshew,” said Bauchle. “Both men are true patriots and set an excellent example as students of the fire service profession.” The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
