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Andersen firemen beat the heat

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Amstutz
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  "Rewarding," is how Staff Sgt. Daniele Flick, the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training, describes his job.

A slow smile spreads across his face as he reflects on the nearly seven years he has spent as a military fire fighter.

The firefighters on Andersen are devoted to their mission: protecting the lives and property of the inhabitants and visitors of Andersen AFB from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies, and exposure to hazardous conditions created by either man or nature.

Sergeant Flick, who was a volunteer firefighter as a civilian, has experience in a multitude of areas. He has encountered everything from aircraft fires to structural emergencies.

Having had previous experience in the field, Sergeant Flick was set on continuing down this path in the military.

"I strictly requested it of my recruiter," Sergeant Flick said. "I was doing wildlife firefighting back home and I just loved the job"

Stepping into the role of a fireman was a different journey for Airman Timothy Healey, a training apprentice also with the 36th CES.

"I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to do this," Airman Healey said. "But I knew I wanted to save lives and this is the best way to do it."

Though they may make it look easy, becoming a fireman is not for the faint of heart. Each candidate must undergo a three-month intensive training program.

"At tech school there are different certifications that you have to acquire," Sergeant Flick said. "We are taught the basics of structural, HASMAT, and airport firefighting."

Additionally, students must learn how to respond to hazardous materials and incidents as well as awareness and prevention, he said.

"It was a hard three months," Airman Healey said. "But it was definitely worth it."

With training behind them, Sergeant Flick and Airman Healey are now focused on safeguarding the people and possessions of Andersen AFB.

Whether they are putting out a fire or waiting for the alarm to sound, the members of the 36th CES are dedicated to their mission. Servicemembers and civilians alike can rest assured that their calls will not go unanswered.