NAS Jacksonville Fire Department strives to keep you safe

The department doesn't just consist of a fire station and a couple of trucks. There is so much more involved in ensuring the fire safety of the base.

NAS Jacksonville has four fire stations which fall under the fire suppression division.

One is located at on the airfield to ensure the safety of the aircraft and the facilities surrounding the airfield. The crews who work there are specifically trained to handle hazardous waste such as JP-5 and aircraft fires. They are equipped with crash trucks, hazardous waste vehicles, a tower that provides firefighters who are standing watch a clear view of the airfield as well as firefighting equipment that isn't normally found in a regular station.

Headquarters is another station which is located on the corner of Yorktown Boulevard and Ranger Street.

It is the largest of all the stations and most of the emergency calls are handled from that location. It is also the home of the "quint", which is the station's elite firefighting and rescue vehicle that has the capability to pump 2,000 gallons of water per minute onto a burning structure.

However, the vehicle is primarily used for emergency rescue crews to gain access into high areas because it has a 105-foot extension ladder that is able to maneuver into many different positions.

The third station is strategically located near housing and Naval Hospital Jax on Mustin Road to keep watch over the Sailors and their families residing on the base as well as all of the facilities that are located in that area.

That leaves the remote station of Whitehouse, where a crew of at least three firefighters man the facility 24 hours a day. Whitehouse, located approximately 25 miles south of NAS Jax, is home to a small airfield where flight training maneuvers are continuously conducted. The firefighters have to ensure that during all flight operations there is a crew ready on the runway to respond to accidents.

All of the stations are equipped with individual bunk rooms, a tiny kitchen, fitness room and a common room for the firefighters to relax in after duty hours. The hardworking men and women of the fire department put in approximately 72 hours per week doing what they love the most.

"This is the best job in the world. There's nothing better that having the self-satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference. I've found that in this job and I even get paid for it. You can't beat that," said Firefighter Keith Goosley who works out of headquarters as the engine driver.

Firefighters on the base take their jobs very seriously. If they are not on a call providing assistance to the public, they have their noses in the books working on qualifications or are moving around the base to receive training on the delicate fire fighting systems in place at NAS Jax.

"This isn't our fire department. It belongs to the people of NAS Jacksonville. We are here to serve them and we dedicate ourselves to their safety," explained NAS Jacksonville Fire Chief Randy Hall.

The training division also plays a vital role in the success of the department. They are responsible for ensuring the firefighters receive structural and aircraft training, emergency medical technician certifications, Department of Defense certifications and other training such as government specific military training and the constant refresher training. There is also the huge realm of safety training. The NAS Jacksonville firefighters stay busy training to keep the base safe when they are not on call.

"Just imagine what would happen if you dialed 911 and no one came to help," noted Hall. "We ensure that the department is trained and efficient to provide the best possible service to NAS Jacksonville."

Fire Prevention is another division that falls under the department. They are responsible for ensuring all of the buildings on the base are properly inspected. This includes prior to construction as well as a facility that has been standing since the establishment of NAS Jax. "We conduct safety standowns, building inspections, running fire drills and provide a service that is top-notch. Without fire inspectors, the hazards to the base and its' people would be tremendous," stated Inspector Douglas Thomas who brings nearly 47 years of fire service to the table.

The disaster preparedness division is responsible for making sure the base is able to stand and recover from any man-made or natural disasters. "We liaison with the city of Jacksonville, surrounding counties, other base emergency management offices and the Red Cross to keep all the bases covered during an actual scenario. We also provide hurricane awareness training and coordinate all mass casualty drills," said Disaster Preparedness Officer DCCS(SW) Matt Melott.

Overall, there are not many people who enter the base on a daily basis and don't realize that the fire department is there. It's a rare day when the sirens are silent, but even in the odd chance that they are, you can bet that there is a firefighter somewhere on the base teaching a child how to "stop, drop and roll" or silently keeping watch over the airfields.