Extinguishing danger: MacDill Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

     Between Oct. 9 and 13, the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection team held its annual Fire Prevention Week to promote awareness using the slogan, “Look. Listen. Learn.”

     Throughout the week the fire protection team made visits to the Youth Center and Tinker K-8 school to share fire safety tips with students. Fire Prevention week continued with a few fun events around base.

     The heat of competition set in on the 10th in the Battle of the Badges softball game in which the 6th CES firefighters defeated the 6th Security Force Squadron Defenders by a score of 10-1. Lastly, 10 teams from various units gathered for the Fire Muster, competing in a timed obstacle course to test endurance and teamwork with the team from the 6th Contracting Squadron finishing with the fastest time.

     Along with raising awareness and friendly competitions, the 6th CES held two blood drives in partnership with Sun Coast Blood Bank and collected 65 units of platelets, enough for potentially 120 people.

     “We initiated the blood drives with the leadership of Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Amann,” said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Donald Walker, a firefighter assigned to the 6th CES. “After Hurricane Michael hit Tyndall, Sun Coast Blood Bank called to push for more volunteers and with collection complete, supplies were sent directly to the panhandle.”

     Fire Prevention Week is designed to stress the importance of being aware of the possible dangers and creating a plan of escape in case of emergency.

     “Our primary mission is prevention and awareness,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Woods, the Fire Prevention Week coordinator assigned to the 6th CES. “Fire Prevention Week events highlight our mission and promote safety to all military personnel and their families.”