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Team Scott firefighter distributes supplies in Haiti

  • Published
  • By 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
  • 375th AMW
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti --  In the aftermath of the earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, Haitian firefighters launched into action. They began search and rescue operations alongside their international partners.

One thing became clear; the Haitians needed more equipment to do their job effectively. There is only one fire department in Port-au-Prince, and even before the quake they weren't fully equipped to handle the firefighting needs of the city.

But with the help of a firefighter from Scott Air Force Base, as well as firefighters from Beale AFB, Calif., Charleston AFB, S.C. and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., the Port-au-Prince fire department is one step closer to becoming self sufficient.

As a part of the Air Force relief efforts, Master Sgt. Bradley Beaty, a firefighter with the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, led a team of firefighters who sorted and distributed over $800,000 in firefighting supplies to the Haitian fire departments.

"The donation of firefighting equipment was big for us here," said Sergeant Beaty. "It started when Clay Williamson from a group called 'Protect the Force' contacted us while we were in route to Haiti in support of the humanitarian aid mission."

Mr. Williamson requested the group of Air Force firefighters give him some information on what equipment the Haitian firefighters could use. Chief Master Sgt. Denny Heitman, from Charleston, made contact with the airport fire department and passed on the equipment information to Mr. Williamson.

While distributing the equipment proved to be a challenge, it was rewarding for the firefighters involved.

"Removing the contents from the containers within a short time frame proved to be difficult," said Staff Sgt. Colin Cathrew, a firefighter from McGuire. "However, knowing the equipment would go to good use was a good feeling, so it made me work harder. While dispersing the equipment to the airport and city fire departments, I could tell they really appreciated it.

"Even with the language barrier, it was easy to see they were excited and grateful for what they were receiving. It felt really good knowing that we were positively affecting the lives of people who went through so much because of the earthquake."

One of the biggest concerns for the firefighters right now is the internally displaced persons camps. Without the proper equipment, the Haitian firefighters would have a difficult job putting out large fires in the camps.

"The fire hazard in the displaced persons camps is extremely high," Mr. Williamson said. "The equipment will allow the Haitian firefighters to monitor and inspect the camps and put out any fires if they occur."

The help didn't stop at handing out the equipment--the team took it a step further.
"We've started to train them on the gear we handed out," said Sergeant Cathrew. "Not only will they have the gear they need, they will also have the knowledge to use it."