New fire trucks immersed in technology, tradition, prayer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Hines
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen joined the Kunsan Air Base Fire Department here in pushing two brand-new fire trucks into the station April 9, marking the official post for the fire trucks' new home.

The ceremony, a long-standing tradition among fire departments, is a rare occurrence in which few firemen or Airmen ever get to take part. This is due to the rarity of receiving trucks straight from the manufacturer, which are designed to operate for more than a decade at a time.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Philip Fourroux, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, the historical tribute can trace its roots back nearly 200 years to the 1800s when fire wagons were pulled by horses.

"Once a fire department returned from a fire, they would unlatch the horses and the community would gather to assist the firemen in pushing the fire wagon back in the station," said Fourroux. "Due to modern technology, we don't have to push them back into the station anymore, but the very first time a new fire truck enters a station the community comes together to help us push it in."

The new additions also received a blessing from the 8th Fighter Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Christine Blice-Baum, who prayed over the trucks and the Airmen assigned to them, capturing part of the Firefighters' Prayer in her benediction.

"Grant that these trucks be used for the service and good of all people. Give to our firefighters the courage to respond whenever duty calls, wherever flames rage or danger lurks. Give to each of them strength and resolve to fulfill their calling to guard their neighbors and protect the property of this base," prayed the chaplain.

Manufactured in the United States, the trucks also boast newer technology and are designed to be more compact to give firefighters the ability to navigate sharper turns on base and respond to emergencies faster, according to Staff Sgt. Jared Lott, 8th CES fire department crew chief.

In May, the firefighters will receive more training to operate and care for the new engines, to include fire truck mechanics and aerial training for the ladder truck.

The fire chief also said the station will receive two brand-new rapid intervention vehicles later this year, which will assist in responding to aircraft emergencies.

"It's very new technology ... these two new trucks are for structural firefighting, the two additional trucks that are coming later are for aircraft firefighting," said Fourroux.

Specifically, the RIVs will help conserve water through technology, which requires less water distributed at a higher psi (pounds per square inch) able to extinguish fires quicker.

The order for these new trucks was projected a few years ago by a previous fire chief and approved by higher headquarters.

The Wolf Pack can soon expect to see the new trucks around base as the station works to bring the new trucks up-to-service for standards.

"There is a little bit of work our fire truck mechanics still need to do, and then we'll do some testing," said Fourroux.

"We're happy to have them here, it's been a long wait," he added.

To view the slide show click here or the link to the right.