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Kirkuk Airmen facilitate relationship building between Iraqi firefighters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mindy Bloem
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  In an effort to foster professional bonds between members of the Province of Kirkuk Fire Department (PKFD) and members of the Iraq Air Force Fire Department (IqAF/FD), squadron members from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group and members of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission--Air Force facilitated a maintenance education day at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq.

The aim of the training was to get as many fire trucks in service as possible. The IqAF/FD has four fire vehicles, and three of those vehicles were not working to full capacity prior to the assistance visit.

"Once the U.S. military leaves, these two departments are going to have to rely on each other," said Chief Master Sgt. Pete Dickerson, fire chief for the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire department. "Having the ability of one department to help another is a huge step in bringing both departments together."

Although the two Iraqi entities have worked together on various training scenarios on base in the past, this visit marked the first time they worked together on vehicle maintenance issues.

The PKFD mechanics were instrumental in repairing two of the IqAF fire trucks, doubling their capability to fight fires.

"One vehicle had been out of service for more than 1 1/2 years and was repaired in the first two hours," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Czmyr, assistant fire chief for the 506th ECES/FD. "Another vehicle had serious safety discrepancies that were repaired on the spot. The third had broken parts that can be purchased locally to facilitate its repair."

The training was especially crucial because the PKFD members shared their knowledge of how to repair the European-type fire equipment with the IqAF vehicle maintainers.

"These trucks are very specialized with on-board computers and electronics that require in-residence schooling usually provided by the truck manufacturer," Sergeant Czmyr said. "If repairs could be made on the spot, the PKFD members made the repairs while IqAF mechanics watched and learned how to make the repairs."
This local partnership also aids in the future efficiency of fire firefighting in Iraq.

"Eventually the IqAF/FD will be fighting fires and responding to emergencies on their own and with assistance from the PKFD," Chief Dickerson said. "It's very important the two departments work together and develop a bond and trust. This event is the beginning of building that trust and developing a knowledge base to keep the fleet of fire trucks in service."
This partnership holds even more significance, considering it reaches across Iraqi Ministry lines. For instance, under the Government of Iraq (GOI), the PKFD falls under the Ministry of Interior while the IqAF falls under the Ministry of Defense.

Chief Dickerson said there are plans to bring the PKFD members back as needed.

"It was a great experience to have the two departments work together toward a common goal and see the PKFD mechanics are willing to come back on base anytime to help fix vehicles that don't belong to them," he said. "I remember what Gen. Nasih (PFKD fire chief) said when we asked him if it would be possible to have his mechanics come back on base to help. He said that in fire fighting 'we are all brothers.'"