Air Guard firefighters assist in mutual aid

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Jansen, 139th Airlift Wing fire chief, assists Airmen with their firefighting gear in Elwood, Kan., Jan. 5, 2012. Airmen from Rosecrans Air Guard Base, St. Joseph, Mo., assisted local fire departments with a residential fire. (Missouri Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Crane)

Air Guard firefighters assist in mutual aid

Master Sgt. Mark Geeting, 139th Fire Department, communicates with local emergency responders via radio in Elwood, Kan., Jan. 5, 2012. Airmen from Rosecrans Air Guard Base, St. Joseph, Mo., assisted local fire departments with a residential fire. (Missouri Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Crane)

139th Fire Department provides assistance

Published Jan. 8, 2012
By Staff Sgt. April L. Bachler
139th Airlift Wing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Members of the 139th Fire Department responded to two emergency mutual-aid calls within a 24-hour period from the Elwood (Kan.) Fire Department requesting assistance.

The 139th FD received the first call Jan. 4 at 2:55 p.m. requesting assistance with a multiple vehicle accident with one rolled-over vehicle on Kansas Highway 238. The 139th FD provided additional emergency medical technicians as well as a rescue truck which carries specialized tools and equipment for emergency situations such as vehicle accidents.

Upon arriving at the scene, FD members ensured the safety of the vehicles by disabling the air bag systems, disconnecting the batteries, checking for fuel leaks and removing the driver of the car, explained Master Sgt. Mark S. Geeting, acting fire chief of the 139th FD.

"Our guys were attentive to the patient and performed a thorough check of the car and ensuring the scene was safe," Geeting said.

The second call was received Jan. 5 at 1:53 p.m., requesting assistance with a structural fire at Tenth and Massachusetts in Elwood, involving a one-story home.

"When we arrived, smoke was pouring out of the eaves and roof vents," said Geeting. "Flames were showing through the glass front door of the home."

Elwood Fire Department made the initial attack of knocking the fire down by putting water on the fire and extinguishing the flames, explained Geeting. The family was out of the building at the time of the fire.

"We work well with the Elwood Fire Department in situations like this," said Geeting.

The 139th utilized a thermo imaging camera as a visual aid to find fire extensions and hot spots located behind the walls, said Geeting.

"The thermo imaging camera is an asset because Elwood does not have one," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Jansen, fire chief of the 139th Fire Department. "It reduces the amount of damage to the victims' home and makes it safe for the fire fighters."