Navy Base's Firefighters Host Joint Drills, Increase Interoperability with Locals

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg's fire department hosted more than 50 firefighters from local fire departments June 24 to practice new procedures for joint firefighting response efforts.

More than 50 firefighters from five Central Pennsylvania companies, to include the Hampden Township Fire Company, Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Company, Washington Fire Company of Mechanicsburg, Lower Allen Fire Company and the Enola Fire Company, took part in the event.

"We are grateful to host this training session to develop better working relationships with our mutual aid partners," said Randy L. O'Donnell, battalion chief of NSA Mechanicsburg's fire department.

Last year, NSA Mechanicsburg's fire house responded to nearly 200 mutual-aid assistance calls, supporting fire companies in Mechanicsburg, Hampden Township, Lower Allen Township, Camp Hill and Shiremanstown. NSA firefighters helped local fire departments with everything from residential and commercial structural fires to vehicle rescue assistance.

"Since the base's construction in 1941, NSA's fire department has been a vital part of the local and surrounding community's mutual aid force and has helped save many lives," said John Raush, Hampden Township's fire chief.

On the base alone, NSA's fire department is charged with protecting 4,300 civilians, military members and their families and industry partners who live and work in more than 70 office buildings and warehouses.

For more news from Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsamech/.