CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Strength, stamina and team work – several components that were put to the test during the 15th Annual Squadron Fire Muster Oct. 9 here.
Eight teams from squadrons across the 27th Special Operations Wing gathered for the opportunity to bring home the traveling first-place trophy, and claim victorious bragging rights for their unit.
Fire departments traditionally developed these musters to challenge and encourage good spirited competition between community fire department crews and those from adjoining cities. This tradition has been evolved by the firefighters with the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron by hosting fellow Air Commandos each year during Fire Prevention Week.
Despite a wide range of Air Force Specialty Codes, airmen were able to gather and experience first-hand firefighting techniques, while gaining knowledge on how to promote fire safety awareness throughout the installation and respective work centers.
During the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the International Fire Marshal’s Association sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, advocating an annual observance to keep the general public informed on 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.
This year’s fire prevention theme at Cannon was “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test Yours Every Month.”
“Our campaign is all about keeping you, your family and our community safe from fire by providing information on protecting your home with fire prevention and safety tips while emphasizing the importance of smoke detectors,” said Lt. Col. Joel Sloan, 27 SOCES commander. “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 culminated in a victory for the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron whose teams took second and third place; the 551st Special Operations Squadron claimed first place and the prestigious trophy.