Team Andersen fire department takes 1st in annual fire muster
By Airman 1st Class Carissa Wolff, 36th Wing Public Affairs
/ Published October 14, 2008
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Team Andersen participated in Guam's annual Fire Muster competition at Paseo Park in Hagatna, Oct. 11-12. The firefighters' competed in such events as a fire truck pull, bucket brigade and a firefighter challenge course.
Firefighters from Andersen competed with teams from the Guam Fire Department, the federal fire department and the forestry division of the Department of Agriculture.
According to Staff Sgt. Michael Osada 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, Andersen Fire and Emergency Services, the base fire department started training approximately a month ago to prepare for the annual fire muster.
"For the fire truck pull event, we practiced pulling one of our own fire trucks, weighed down, making it heavier than the one we pulled at the competition," said Staff Sgt. Osada. "We also practiced for the firefighter challenge course by setting up our own and running drills through it every day."
The firefighters' hard work paid off, earning them the titles of first place overall and first and third places for the individual portion of the event.
Airman First Class Jarold Burris, 36th CES Andersen Fire and Emergency Services said the fire muster was a good source of camaraderie among firefighters on Guam.
Between competition, firefighters, friends, family and other members shared hero stories while sharing barbecue.
"We had an awesome time competing against the other Guam fire departments," Airman Burris said. "Watching the other teams' techniques and procedures helped show that there are different ways to approaching similar situations."
The Muster Competition capped off Fire Prevention Week, which was celebrated nationwide.