News>Feature - Hurlburt Field urges 'Have 2 Ways Out'
Photos
Kids rush to give Sparky the Fire Dog a hug during a Fire Awareness Week event at the Child Development Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 9, 2012. As part of Fire Awareness Week, the fire department attempts to familiarize students with firefighters, their protective gear and the vehicles they utilize. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim)
Sparky the Fire Dog hands out high-fives as part of Fire Awareness Week at the Child Development Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 9, 2012. Children lined up and gave Sparky the Fire Dog hugs and high-fives in an attempt to build a positive relationship with the fire department. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim)
Airman 1st Class Nicholas Taylor, a firefighter of 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, exchanges handshakes with children as part of Fire Awareness Week at the Child Development Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 9, 2012. Taylor modeled the protective gear that firefighters wear to familiarize the children with whom to expect when a fire occurs. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim)
by Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- There once was a naughty cow in Chicago..
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a popular legend states that this cow was responsible for the deaths of 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres of Chicago land in 1871.
While the Great Chicago Fire makes for another mark in history, the lessons of the past burn brightly in this Fire Prevention Week at Hurlburt Field that spanned the week of Oct. 8-12.
Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing, signed a Fire Prevention Week Proclamation board at Fire Station 1, which lists several statements for practicing and ensuring prevention and safety.
Boasting the theme, "Have 2 Ways Out," one statement reads, "I call upon the personnel of Hurlburt Field to remember the Fire Prevention Week motto for 2012: "Have 2 Ways Out," and urge all community members to heed the advice to test smoke alarms and plan and practice fire drills."
The proclamation signing spotlighted the significance of the week and how members of Hurlburt Field pay tribute to the event.
"Authorization of fire prevention week informs people of what the weekly events are," said Jarvis Amos, a fire inspector of the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron.
This year's activities and events include firefighting training for squadron commanders, chiefs and first sergeants: live fire training, vehicle extrication and hose line pull advancement.
The training showed how firefighters handle real situations that start with moving hoses, removing victims from vehicles and actually fighting fires.
Additionally, Sparky the Fire Dog, the fire department mascot, made a guest appearance at the Child Development Center along with other firefighters to educate children about safety and prevention. The visit emphasized to children that they should not hide in case of a fire, but call for help and not be afraid of firefighters when they appear in full gear.
"It's a good time for us to bring awareness to people who don't usually pay attention to fire safety and preparedness," said Amos. "It's also a fun time to teach kids about the safety that comes with fire protection."
Even though Hurlburt Field lacks mischievous fire-starting cows, Hurlburt Field firefighters and those who participated in the week's activities take steps toward making their homes, families and the base fire free.
