2nd Lieutenant learns through trial by fire

  • Published
  • By MCSN Shane Arrington
  • Air Force News Agency,Det 12
Second Lieutenant Mike Fiedler is Misawa Air Base's Pollution Prevention Chief, but he recently got to experience the life of another flight within the Civil Engineering Squadron, the Fire Protection Flight.

Roll call at 0800 marked the start of his 24-hour shift with the fire department. One may wonder why someone from environmental is working with the fire fighters but for a young Lieutenant it actually makes sense.

"As I advance in rank I'll have to make more decisions." 2nd Lt. Fiedler said. "I may have to approve funds for these guys and it helps me make those decisions if I know first hand the equipment they use and need."

He definitely got a first hand experience. Throughout the day he received many briefings on various aspects of fire safety and the inner workings of the fire station, he even got to try on a hazardous material suit, but  Lieutenant Fiedler said the highlight of the day was the hands on fire training.

"It felt great," he said, still sweaty from the heat inside the fire trainer. "It's pretty amazing what they're capable of doing. When everyone else is running out the building they're running in, so it's kind of cool to see what they do."

Even when the official work day was over, Lieutenant Fiedler didn't go home. Fire fighters man their station until their 24-hours are over and they are properly relieved by the next days shift.