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171st Fire Emergency Services Flight Honors Local Fire Departments

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jodi Snyder
  • 171st Air Refueling Wing
Coraopolis, PA --  In Dec. 2015, on behalf of the 171st Fire Emergency Services Flight, Master Sgt. Gary Shannon presented Kevin Crawford, chief of the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Dave Trzciankia, chief of the Baden VFD, a framed plaque of a KC-135 for their continued support of providing training materials and equipment not readily available at the 171st.   

Over the past three years, these two organizations have saved the 171st Civil Engineer Squadron over $5,000 by allowing 171st members to use training grounds, equipment and vehicles necessary to complete training requirements like removing victims from the wreckage of car accidents.  "We don't have the training grounds to provide vehicle extrication training locally", said Shannon. "This training is critical and without their support, it would be costly." The Brighton Township VFD has lent a mobile water supply apparatus to allow younger firefighters of the 171st to practice for necessary upgrade training.  Baden VFD has provided a heavy-rescue apparatus as well as a structural pumper that allows for relay operations. 

Out of the 30 firefighters who work in the 171st Fire Emergency Services Flight, 24 are civilian firefighters. The members serve in over 10 different fire departments throughout the state. Many of the members who serve in a civilian capacity are volunteers, which is how the relationship with Brighton Township VFD and Baden VFD developed.  

Having the support of these two volunteer fire departments has helped the 171st provide the members of the Fire Emergency Services Flight a viable means of providing training and resources needed to ensure that airmen are ready for any situation.  Because of their support, the fire emergency flight can continue their mission of protecting other airmen who protect America.

Click here to see a video about the 171st Fire Protection Flight's mission.