GFD takes training to new heights Published July 23, 2012 By Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Clenching the rope attached to his harness, a fire fighter descends down a nine-story tower amid walls of crossing metal beams; his safety in the hands of his fellow team members above, who gradually loose the tense rope and lower him to the ground. This was the scene as Grissom fire fighters tested new harness equipment used for rescue operations as they took turns rappelling down the base radar tower July 11. Rappelling is used for confined space entry and rescuing people trapped in the higher levels of buildings and structures, said Kleim Tomlinson Jr., Grissom Fire Department assistant chief of operations, who was observing the fire fighters from the ground. "We're the only department in the area that practices this sort of thing," he said. "It makes us a viable asset to the state and local community." Sometimes rappelling is more practical for rescue than using the ladder on top of the fire truck, explained Tomlinson. The ladder is only 75 feet long, so it has its limitations. Tomlinson said this was the first time they used the radar tower for rappel training, and it gave them the opportunity to accurately test the comfort and functionality of the new equipment. They tried out two harness designs before deciding which one worked best for them. Thomas Carey, a Grissom fire fighter who rappelled that day, said he likes the new harnesses. "They're more comfortable and easier to put on," said Carey. Grissom firefighters learn advanced rescue skills such as repelling at the Department of Defense Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, and continue to train here. "It helps us maintain proficiency," said Tomlinson. Carey added this kind of training helps keep them prepared for anything. "A lot of stuff is easy to forget unless you go out and train," he said. "With this job, you never know what you're going to get." Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The GFD has mutual aid agreements with the local community to respond to emergencies in the area. Stay connected to Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
