Grissom Fire Department makes impact on base, community

Published Feb. 1, 2010

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- The Grissom Fire Department stayed busy during the past year by responding to more than 800 emergencies, becoming more knowledgeable and trained firefighters, training other fire departments, and volunteering in the local community.

The fire department responded to more than 800 incidents, -- 75 percent of those located off base.

The off-base runs are possible due to a mutual aide agreement the fire department has with Miami County.

"This agreement has saved lives," said John Ireland, Grissom's fire chief. 'In most medical situations it takes an ambulance about 10 minutes from Peru. Because of our location, we take about five to six minutes."

One of the reasons for their success the amount of training required before even joining the Grissom fire department.

"Firefighters must complete Firefighter 1 and 2 courses, which include handling hazardous material and becoming a certified emergency medical technician," said Chief Ireland. "Once they join the department we combine their training with real world experiences and more classroom training."

Another reason to their success, in 2009, is the department has maintained a great working relationship with the neighboring fire departments.

"It does not matter if we are the first on scene or the last, there is never any confusion among the firefighters," said Chief Ireland. We are able to merge smoothly because all of the departments follow the identical incident command system procedures."

An example of this relationship happened during one of the departments
most memorable runs of the year.

"The incident involved a two car collision and structural house fire with ammunition going off," said Daniel Wolf, Grissom firefighter. "At the scene were local volunteer firefighters that, except for their patches, seamlessly assisted Grissom firefighters in extinguishing the flames and controlling the incident."

Not only were Grissom firefighters responding to emergencies and training other fire departments, they were volunteering in the community. One of the volunteer activities the fire department performed, in 2009, was teaching fourth graders basic first aid.

"We taught fourth grade children how to open breathing airways, how and when to call 911, and how to stop bleeding from minor cuts," said Chief Ireland. "This is just another great example of how the firemen here go above and beyond their duties."

Finally, the fire department attributed Grissom personnel for their success in 2009.

"Fire prevention at Grissom was great in 2009, we did not have any serious problems on base, mainly because everyone has been safe and cautious of potential dangers," added Leslie McConnell, Grissom fire protection chief.

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Grissom Fire Department aids local community

Grissom Fire Department makes impact on base, community

Public Affairs Staff