Airmen help graduate Afghan's newest firefighters

Published June 9, 2008
By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Mappin
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Eleven members of the Afghan National Army Air Corps recently became the first graduates of the Air Corps Firefighting School May 29 at Kabul.

The graduates completed four months of class work, countless hands-on exercises extinguishing various types of fires and practicing lifesaving techniques under the direction of American Airmen and firefighters.

"Today is a very big day for the air corps," said Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell, the Combined Air Power Transition Force commander at the graduation ceremony. "You are your country's future."

The increased attention given to the firefighters program will help the Afghans become more responsible for their own safety and security, General Lindell said.

"You are a significant part of rebuilding your country," the general said. "In a bigger sense, you are all about the security of Afghanistan and about building a free democratic country."

During the past four months, Master Sgt. Michael Marascia, an Air Force firefighting instructor from Langley Air Force Base, Va., built a rapport with his students. Even with the language barrier, Sergeant Marascia said he and his students soon formed a bond like brothers.

"We've grown together as firefighters," Sergeant Marasica said to the students. "We firefighters are brothers. We know no boundaries of nationalities or race. We are sworn to protect lives, and I am proud to call you my brothers."

The students' backgrounds ranged from farmers and students to former soldiers of the Afghan national army.

For Basir (some Afghans go by only one name), 63, this day was a matter of pride and love for his people and country. Basir said being a fireman is all about serving his people.

"Before I was a driver and had only a third-grade education," Basir said. "I have always wanted to be a firefighter. I want to protect my people and my family."

Basir's classmates fondly called him ka ka (uncle in Dari) out of respect for his age. In contrast, the youngest student was 25.

A veteran of the Afghan national army, Razzuddin, 48, was assigned as the class's fire chief and has a long history of serving his country.

"After serving my country for 23 years, I decided I wanted to be a firefighter. They are the rescuers of the people," Razzuddin said. "I want to be an example to my people. This is an important job. I hope that others will follow in our footsteps. I am even encouraging my 19-year old son Ekrammuddin to be a firefighter."

Initially, the new firefighters will be assigned to firefighting units around Kabul. Later in the year, this group will be the first firefighters assigned to the new Afghan National Army Air Corps North Side Cantonment at the Kabul International Airport, scheduled to open in October 2008.

With 20 new self-contained breathing apparatuses, 60 masks, firefighting suits and other pieces of donated equipment from the United States, Denmark, Switzerland and the Ukraine arriving just in time for the next session of classes, the equipment will help the firefighting program expand.

"We have our instructor to thank. Mike was compassionate and shared his experience as a firefighter. He was a good teacher," Basir said. "Because of him, we are ready to respond."