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Community first responders test skills

Heath Griffin, Sumter Fire Department master firefighter, stores air cylinders inside a fire truck in Sumter, S.C., March 30, 2017. The Sumter Fire Department was one of the responding agencies during a major accident response exercise that tested the readiness of community responders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Community first responders test skills

Local responders coordinate outside the scene of a major accident response exercise in Sumter S.C., March 30, 2017. The exercise simulated a downed aircraft, presenting various hazards which local and base responders worked together to conquer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Community first responders test skills

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Ficzner, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant operations chief, talks over a radio during a major accident response exercise in Sumter, S.C., March 30, 2017. The exercise tested the coordination between Sumter and Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., responders in the event of an aircraft mishap. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Community first responders test skills

Published April 4, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Fighter Wing, in conjunction with Sumter County responders, participated in a major accident response exercise in Sumter, South Carolina, March 30.

Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians tested their emergency coordination during the MARE, which simulated the recovery of a downed aircraft.

Shaw provided Airmen from across career fields, including safety and bioenvironmental specialists as well as explosive ordnance disposal technicians to clear the area of simulated explosive hazards, provide health risk assessments and preserve the evidence.

“We don’t want to wait until an accident actually occurs to know how to respond to it,” said Maj. Westina Tolbert, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron registered nurse. “That’s why we’re always ready.”

Multiple agencies worked together to deal with various situations and test their skills including biohazards, fires and casualties.

“Working as a firefighter on the Sumter side we don’t get to see a lot of stuff to do with the airplanes and the pilots and how they work the scene,” said Heath Griffin, Sumter Fire Department master firefighter. “So it really helps us learn what we need to do when we get here and work as a unified command.”

The MARE gave local responders an opportunity to gain insight and improve readiness on both the civilian and military side of the community, increasing their preparedness in the event of a real emergency.