CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Six teams from groups and squadrons across the 27th Special Operations Wing came together to demonstrate strength, skills and teamwork during the 16th Annual Squadron Fire Muster Oct. 16.

The coveted prize for the day: the first-place traveling trophy claimed last year by members of 551st Special Operations Squadron.

“We are feeling confident about today’s challenge,” stated Master Sgt. Donald Jones, 551st SOS. “As the defending champs, we knew we had to come out and represent our squadron; however, events like this are great for increasing wing morale, so it is awesome to see so many teams competing this year.”

Fire departments traditionally developed fire musters to challenge and encourage good-spirited competition between community fire department crews and those from nearby cities. This tradition has evolved by the firefighters of 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron into hosting the annual competition between fellow Air Commandos during Fire Prevention Week and encouraging squadron morale.

The wide range of career fields and units participating in this year’s muster received first-hand experience in firefighting techniques from Cannon’s professionals while gaining expert knowledge on how to promote fire safety awareness throughout the installation, respective work centers and personal homes.

The International Fire Marshal’s Association sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day on the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, advocating for an annual observance to keep the general public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed during the week of Oct. 9.

The campaign theme at Cannon this year is, “Hear the beep where you sleep.”

“Our campaign is all about keeping you, your family and our community safe from fire by providing information on protecting your home and loved ones with fire prevention and safety tips while emphasizing the importance of smoke alarms,” said Lt. Col. Joel Sloan, 27th SOCES commander. “Smoke detectors are your best warning of fire if one should occur, so test them once a month and immediately get everyone out of the house should they sound as you only have a few minutes to safely escape.

“Develop a home escape plan with your family and be sure to include your youngest children in the plan,” he added. “Show two ways out of every room in your home and have a good meeting place, such as your neighbor’s front yard.
We want this year’s campaign to serve as a call to action for households throughout Cannon, Clovis and Portales to inspect their homes and ensure their families are kept safe from fire hazards.”

The event ended on a high note for the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, who took first place overall; the 551st SOS team took a gracious second-place win.