Fort Polk celebrates DES fire engine fleet dedication

By Angie Thorne, Fort Polk Guardian staff writerMay 24, 2010

Fort Polk celebrates DES fire engine fleet dedication
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT POLK, La. -- Visions of speed, power, beauty and strength lined the parking lot of Warrior Memorial Park May 17 as Fort Polk pledged the service of six fire emergency vehicles at the Directorate of Emergency Services fire engine dedication.

"This is a big day for the fire department. I'm honored that you could bear witness to Team Polk's dedication to providing the best service possible for our Soldiers, Families and employees that work and live here on a daily basis," said Lt. Col. James Marshall, DES director.

The front line fire apparatus fleet is brand new -- about one year old or less -- and includes firefighting engines, rescue trucks and crash trucks that protect the airfield, according to Chief Michael Kuk, fire chief, DES. "It speaks well of Fort Polk's command that they provide the very best for our Soldiers by producing the resources to obtain this fire engine fleet and bring it into the 21st century," he said.

Kuk said the dedication ceremony summed up what it means to be a firefighter. "Our battle is fighting fire and loss of human life. It's important that we recognize how important it is that these vehicles are an extension of our lives and professionalism," said Kuk.

Roland Cimini, a Fort Polk Fire Department fire protection specialist, said everything on the new fleet is the best you can get. But it doesn't end there. He said the next phase to be added to the trucks in the near future is mobile data terminals, explaining that when 911 sends firemen to a call, these terminals map the best and fastest route to the emergency.

"The terminals will also tell dispatch where the closest fire truck is to the call and provide information on things like road closures and malfunctioning hydrants," said Cimini. "This fleet represents state-of-the-art equipment and safety devices that reduces risk not only for the firefighters, but also for the people we protect."

Saving lives has always been a primary goal of the fire department, but until now, Fort Polk's fire trucks weren't properly equipped to handle that responsibility, said Kuk. "The new trucks have dedicated compartments for the delivery of emergency medical care," he said.

Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk garrison commander and keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony, Col. Francis B. Burns, said the ceremony allows Fort Polk and the Vernon Parish community to witness an American fire service tradition that introduces them to a new fleet of fire trucks. "It's a time-honored ceremony that puts fire engines, crash vehicles and rescue vehicles into service for the betterment of all citizens. A fire engine symbolizes a sacred trust that exists between the community and the fire service," he said.

Fort Polk's original fire trucks had more than 20 years of service, some close to three decades, with many of them going out on an average of more than 900 calls per year. "That makes the Fort Polk DES fire and emergency fleet one of the busiest in the Department of Defense. An increase in emergency calls continues each year as firefighters do more than just fight fires," said Burns.

For that reason and more, Fort Polk's original trucks were redesigned, refurbished and modernized. "These are called level-one rebuilds. The trucks are taken down to the frame and the equipment that is put back on is state-of-the-art.

Burns said this new fleet of vehicles is the culmination of a team effort from DES, the Resource Management Office and military contracting command. "These trucks are the result of your tireless efforts to make the installation a better place to live and work," said Burns.

Stacey Lehr, resource management officer, said this fleet came about because DES is good at defending their requirements and is on top of what they need and why they need it. "The capability to guard against fire in this area has been increased and you can see it means a lot to the firefighters," said Lehr.

Burns said he also wanted to recognize the DES firefighters' courage, dedication and honor in serving their fellow man and nation. "Fort Polk firefighters are well known and respected throughout the state because of their skilled and professional service. What they do and who they are is priceless. This equipment will only enhance their capabilities," said Burns.

Burns also recognized Soldiers from 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade whose military occupational specialty is Army firefighter, adding, "This new equipment will enhance their MOS proficiency as a working member of a fire company with the latest technology and will increase expertise for both CONUS and combat assignments."

Burns concluded that the fire trucks on display were representations of speed, daring, innovation and power, as well as selflessness, sacred honor and responsibility to the protection of life. "We welcome engine numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, crash 2 and rescue 2 to their new homes."

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