U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A national fire-prevention official welcomed the Air Force Academy into the ranks of U.S. Firewise Communities June 18.
Cathy Prudhome, associate project manager of the National Fire Prevention Association’s community programs, presented the recognition to Col. Ken Ohlson, 10th Mission Support Group commander, in a ceremony at Fire Station 1.
“The Firewise Community recognition presentation was a great example of how our installation works so well with all of our surrounding communities,” Ohlson said.
Firewise Communities prevent wildfires through education and community support, according to the NFPA website. The Academy earned the recognition in February.
“Although many other communities are designated ‘Firewise,’ the Academy is the first military community to achieve this recognition,” Ohlson said. “It's a great feather in our cap, but it doesn't mean we are immune to wildfires. Our Firewise community must always remain vigilant and do its part to prevent wildfires.”
Along with its efforts to educate Academy staff on fire prevention, the 10th Civil Engineer Department firefighters hosted an Academy Wildland Fire Prevention Day June 18, an event necessary to keep the designation as a Firewise Community. The event featured lessons on reducing fuel hazards such as brush and overgrown foliage around base homes and yards.
“We have a great group of professionals in our 10th CES Natural Resources and Fire and Emergency Services flights who help our community prepare for the day we may see smoke on the horizon again,” Ohlson said.
Ken Helgerson, the Academy’s fire chief, said the NFPA accolade is more than a community designation, and Prevention Days are more than community safety exercises.
“During a [fire], this increase in space gives us a great chance at a strong defense of these homes that not only saves the structure but, more importantly, the occupants, property and memories that would have been lost.
The 10th CES Fire Department has about 70 military and Defense Department firefighters. The squadron is attached to the 10th MSG.
Visit ww.usafa.af.mil/Units/MissionSupportGroup.aspx for more information.