USASOC NEWS SERVICE

RELEASE NUMBER: 040621-02
DATE POSTED: JUNE 21, 2004

Civil affairs Soldiers train Iraqi firemen

By Spc. Blair Larson
139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (USASOC News Service, June 21, 2004) — Soldiers from the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army reserve unit from Norristown, Pa., are using their civilian skills to train and outfit Iraqi firemen.

The Battalion’s public safety team is made up of Soldiers who are paramedics, emergency medical technicians and vehicle rescue technicians in the civilian world.

They are working closely with the Mosul Civil Defense Corps to get them the right equipment and the right training to be able to provide for the safety and rescue of Mosul residents.

“The local fire and rescue teams have never had the right equipment or training to best perform their jobs but they are willing students who are eager to improve their skills,” said Master Sgt. Chris Cortazzo, the public safety team non-commissioned officer-in-charge.

Following the progress of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the public safety team worked to find funds to bring more fire engines and rescue equipment to the Corps. They are also planning to build another fire station in the city of Mosul.

The public safety team also developed a training program to teach the Iraqis to use the new equipment they receive and to build on the skills they already have. Recently, the team finished a two-day training course on how to operate new hydraulic extraction equipment to rescue victims trapped in wrecked vehicles.

“We are training a group of senior firefighters who will then be able to train others,” said Master Sgt. William McGuckin, a detachment sergeant for Company A.

Vehicle extraction equipment is critical because of the increase of vehicle accidents in Iraq. After the fall of Saddam, oil production increased as did the number of people able to buy cars. Because of this, more vehicles are on the roads. The vehicle extraction equipment will help the firefighters to get the victim out of the vehicle and get them medical attention quickly.

“After a vehicle accident, time is critical for severely injured patients,” said McGuckin.

McGuckin went on to say, “This is a benefit to the local community. A trained force could mean the difference between life and death.”

Coalition forces are committed to working with the Civil Defense Corps to increase safety and security for all citizens in the Mosul area.

-usasoc-

Soldiers from the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion Public Safety Team watch as Civil Defense Corps members practice using hydraulic tools to cut apart an abandoned vehicle at a recent training event. (Photo by Spc. Blair Larson, 139th MPAD)
 Soldiers from the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion's public safety team watch as Civil Defense Corps members practice using hydraulic tools to cut apart an abandoned vehicle at a recent training event. (Photo by Spc. Blair Larson, 139th MPAD)