Firefighter brotherhood reaches across international borders

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James A. Rush
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
ALI BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) --  Thirteen could prove to be a lucky number for Iraqi citizens in An Nasiriyah as that is the number of firefighters whose abilities have been enhanced through training with Airmen deployed here.

Airmen firefighters from Air Expeditionary Forces 3, 4, 5 and 6 introduced the Iraqis to American techniques and technology over a 15-week program that culminated Feb. 7.

Training included basic first aid, ropes and knots, ground ladder techniques, fire hose evolutions, ventilation and structural firefighting tactics and strategies. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Rosser, the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services chief, presented each Iraqi with a certificate during a ceremony.

"This reflects on the cooperation between our two countries, on the excellent relations we have, and more particularly on the pride of the firefighter brotherhood," said Col. Larry Kauffman, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander.

The leader of the Iraqi force, Maj. Ahmed-Khuder Mahsen, added comments as he recounted a recent story of a firefighter colonel from Baghdad who was slain in his own home by insurgents.

"To the terrorist people who come to kill firefighters, we are good targets because we put the lives of other people first," Major Mahsen said. "I hope to continue to work together to stop the terrorists and save our country."

"I believe continuation of the program will provide more valuable intelligence on security and safety issues, a sustained open channel to the local Iraqi people's needs, and a means to show the humanitarian side of the American people," said Master Sgt. Tobias Shelley, who was here during AEF 3 and 4 and is the deputy fire chief at the Air National Guard's Hancock Field in Syracuse, N.Y.

"Right now these firefighters have very little equipment and protective gear, but still do the job," said Master Sgt. Michael Wilsbach, the deputy fire chief here for AEF 5 and 6. "We have reached back to the states and have fire departments across the country donating protective gear such as helmets, coats, pants, gloves and boots." 

"As we train them, we have numerous opportunities for fellowship. We show them we are guys with families just like theirs and we are not so different after all," he said. "Hopefully this program will go the distance so all of the local firefighters have a chance to expand their skills."

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