FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. Darryl Trent, left, and Pfc. Mitchell Britton, firefighters with 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, remove and inspect the ladder system on the M1142 Tactical Fire Fighting Truck during their preventive maintenance checks and services May 26, 2020, in the 68th CSSB motor pool at Fort Carson. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
By Sgt. James Geelen
4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Army firefighters with 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, visually inspect the M1142 Tactical Fire Fighting Truck during their preventive maintenance checks and services May 26, 2020, in the 68th CSSB motor pool at Fort Carson. The vehicle has been away from Fort Carson for the past two years for maintenance and refurbishing. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Just like their counterparts in the civilian world, U.S. Army firefighters are responsible for protecting property and lives from fires. These Soldiers control and prevent fires not only in Army buildings but on Army aircraft as well.
The firefighters with 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently received some new equipment.
“When I first came to Fort Carson almost five years ago our truck was nowhere near working condition,” said Sgt. Darryl Trent, firefighter. “We sent it off to get fixed, and I thought that I would never see it again. I’m not going to lie; when the truck came back, I got super excited.”
With the addition of the M1142, Tactical Fire Fighting Truck, the firefighters could see their mission expand.
“We can now potentially pull the team back into the fold to help with training exercises,” said Capt. Tyler Hoff, commander, 60th Ord., 68th CSSB, 4th SB, 4th Inf. Div. “They will continue to be utilized as installation support, but now they have the option to help support training or help support the airfield.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Staff Sgt. Donald Williams, right, lead firefighter, 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, teaches Spc. Christiean Smith, firefighter, how the control panel works on the M1142 Tactical Fire Fighting Truck during their preventive maintenance checks and services May 26, 2020, in the 68th CSSB motor pool at Fort Carson. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
Being a firefighter can make Soldier life more difficult, according to Trent.
“Going to the range to qualify can be more troublesome as a firefighter,” Trent said. “However, the main problem I’ve noticed coming up through the Army is making sure we don’t lose our military bearing. We’re always wearing a civilian uniform, away from the Army lifestyle, it’s very easy to lose track of where you come from.”
Military firefighters, however, do much more than fight fires.
“We perform inspections to help minimize fire dangers, and respond to hazardous materials spills,” said Staff Sgt. Donald Williams, lead firefighter. “We can assist civilian fire departments when needed. We can take EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) courses, so we’re able to provide first aid to accident victims.”
For now, the firefighters are preparing themselves and the new vehicle to best serve the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.