• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

New Orleans Opens State-of-the-Art Fire Station

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090314-04
Release Date: 3/14/2009 8:23:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans held a ceremony March 11 to celebrate grand opening of the Navy's newest fire station.

The previous building that NAS JRB Fire and Emergency Services utilized is undergoing a major overhaul. NAS JRB will have two, fully functional stations after the upgrade is completed.

Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the new building was a welcome change of scenery for the firefighters and emergency management personnel who operate on the base.

"We are very excited about this service," said Capt. Bill Snyder, NAS JRB commanding officer. "Our response time to emergencies will drastically decrease because of the new station's proximity to base housing."

Snyder, using the "Jaws of Life" tool to cut apart an old firehouse, officially opening the fire station. The tool is used to pry open vehicles involved in accidents when a victim may be trapped.

"This is another chance to spotlight the brave firefighters that keep our base safe," said Snyder.
"They have a tough job and it's important to ensure that they have the best equipment and facilities."

"We have everything," said Wayne Parker, assistant fire chief. "Our firefighters have a comfortable working environment. We can cook, wash our clothes and take showers all right here. This place is incredible."

The new station also features high-speed Internet, individual rooms and a spacious day room for training the firefighters when they are not responding to emergencies.

Many of the residents who reside on the base are happy with the move and the prospect of having two stations.

"They have an awesome staff," said Carolina Newsome, a base resident. "It gives you a sense of security and protection. When you can go to sleep at night and know that you have guys and girls like them, right down the street, it puts you at ease."

She also explained that it was a big factor when determining whether to live on base or out in town.

The primary mission of NAS JRB is the training of Naval Reservists and the operational, logistical, and fiscal support for tenant commands and transient aircraft on a 24-hour basis. The base also serves as a platform for assistance with homeland security air defense through the Louisiana Air National Guard as well as search and rescue efforts for much of the Gulf coast.

For more news from Naval Air Station New Orleans Joint Reserve Base, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasno/.