JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron fire department hosted an open house tour here at Fire Station 2 June 23 for local autistic children from Vibrant ABA Solutions, a group that provides behavior analytic services to individuals with special needs.
As part of the visit, the five elementary-aged children toured the fire station while getting to see where the firefighters live, their workout and training rooms, and the different kinds of fire trucks they have.
A handful of firefighters volunteered their time to educate the children on fire prevention tips and strategies on escaping from a burning building. The children were also introduced to various equipment and gear the firefighters use, and they learned how the firefighters supported the installation.
The firefighters at Fire Station 2 have a unique mission: they primarily support the base fight line. They respond to in-flight emergencies like medical emergencies and incidents involving bird strikes. In addition, they can help rescue pilots out of a downed aircraft. The firefighters are also trained to handle hazmat materials, building collapse, confine space rescue, high and low angle rescue, and trench rescue.
Fire Station 2 supports more than just installation; the local community may see them responding to incidents off base, which is why strengthening relations is important.
“We have mutual aid with the city.” said Michael Martinez, 502nd CE firefighter. “They come over here if they need help and we do the same for them.”
To help strengthen those bonds, the fire department hosts tours and open houses for school groups, like the one they did for Vibrant ABA Solutions’ children.
After touring Fire Station 2, the firefighters hope the children will be less frighten of firefighters wearing their fire suits.
“I want them to be comfortable with us and see us in our gear so they won’t be scared,” said Jeffery Pardo, 502nd CE firefighter.
On multiple occasions Pardo has responded to a call where a parent was incapacitated, and the child, frightened after seeing them in their gear, ran away instead of opening the door, he recalled.
“When something happens, they can trust us,” Pardo added. “We’re here to help them.”
Pardo also provided the children fire safety tips and information on what to do when there is a fire.
Martinez recalled a little boy, whose home caught on fire. The boy had just visited the fire department where he learned how to get out of a house when there is smoke or fire.
“He remembered and that was how he got out,” Martinez said. “It saved his life … the house was a total lost.”
“If something happens, they should know what to do,” he added