Fire Dawgs "not on our watch" Published Aug. 5, 2015 By Senior Airman Rusty Frank 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- -- "When fire is cried and danger is neigh, 'God and the firemen,' is the people's cry; But when 'tis out and all things righted, God is forgotten and the firemen slighted." - Author unknown, from The Fireman's Journal, 18 Oct 1879 Fire fighter helmets are displayed on the ground prior to the start of role call inside Station 1, July 17, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. During role call, members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department exchange information from the previous shift. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) Imagine a bay full of fire trucks parked in the middle of the night. The silence of the room echoes off the cold cement walls. Suddenly an alarm sounds and the once silent room comes alive with the rapid movement of Airmen sliding down a pole, rushing to their gear, suiting up and finally jumping into the trucks. The sounds of the roaring engines thunder through the fire station. Suddenly, just as quickly as the action happened, the room returns to silence after the massive red trucks pull away. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ty Hults, a 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, poses for a photo inside Station 1, July 10, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department responded to more than 200 calls last year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) It's this type of environment the Airmen of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department potentially face every time they start their 24-hour shifts. "Being a firefighter is a total adrenalin rush," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ty Hults, a 52nd CES firefighter. A toy fire truck remains stationary on top of a training board inside the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron's fire department Station 1, July 8, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Members of the fire department use the board to review different training scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) According to the 52nd CES fire department mission statement the department delivers first-class fire emergency services and innovative programs to Team Eifel through decisive management practices and dynamic training programs, incorporated with state of the art equipment and facilities that prepare firefighters to fight and win by executing worldwide NATO and Expeditionary Operations. Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department participate in a training session inside Station 1, July 8, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Members of the fire department train daily as part of their routine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) The typical day of a firefighter starts first thing in the morning, just as the sun hits the firehouse and the rays of light shine through the windows of the garage bay doors, striking the cement floor with the light separating two different companies of firefighters; the incoming and outgoing shifts. During this time, any pertinent information gets passed along to the incoming shift. After the conclusion of formation normally called "roll call," the Airmen start checking the massive red trucks ensuring all of the equipment on and around the rigs remains serviceable and ready for any potential call. Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department play ping pong inside Station 1, July 8, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Members of the fire department play ping pong and participate in other activities during their down time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) After spending time together checking out trucks, participating in training learning how to keep each other alive in the most hazardous conditions, and spending 24-hours together, the firehouse starts to take on the feel of a home away from home. Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department prepare to eat dinner inside Station 1, July 16, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Members of the 52nd CES fire department form a bond by spending so much time together on duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) It's this type of work place that creates a special atmosphere only a firefighter could understand. "This job is a brotherhood because you live with these guys," Hults said. "You work with them for 24 on and 24 off. You could possibly go into a burning building and this guy could pull you out and save your life." Sparky, the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department mascot interacts with kids outside the new child development center, July 10, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. During the visit, children were allowed to talk to firefighters and tour a fire truck. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) When the Airmen are not fighting through smoky situations, and while they are waiting for the alarm to sound of potential danger, they sometimes visit the child development centers and let the children meet the big dog dressed as a firefighter known as Sparky the mascot and tour the rig as away to give back to the community they protect. This experience brings a unique perspective to the Airmen. "I'm looked up to as an inspiring individual," Hults said. "A lot of people say when you're a kid and you see a fire truck go by you think of a super hero." Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department check fire hoses for leaks outside Station 1, July 10, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Members of the 52nd CES fire department perform hose checks to ensure they remain serviceable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released) The Airmen of the 52nd CES fire department receive a daily reminder when they walk through the hallway of Station 1, because on one of the walls the words "fire dawgs not on our watch," are scribed. "It means no matter what happens, we have to do our best," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jason Theriault, 52nd CES deputy fire chief. "That's what the public expects out of us." As the sun sets on the firehouse, the silence of the station returns after the completion of the duty day. The Airmen of the 52nd CES fire department wait to answer the call. "That's what this job is all about," said Hults. "It's about saving people."