Army Firefighters Protect Camp Taji

Spc. William Miranda, left, assists Spc. Pinael Roamel to don more than 85 pounds of gear, which must be worn by firefighters when responding to an emergency. Both Soldiers are assigned to the 215th Engineering Detachment, attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Benjamin Cossel

Army Firefighters Protect Camp Taji

Soldiers play a pivotal role as first responders to a variety of situations

on Camp Taji in Iraq.

By Cpl. Benjamin Cossel
122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Housed in an unassuming concrete structure, the remnant of a prior regime, a small group of men humbly awaits their next mission. Their job requires strength, humility, teamwork and courage. They are the firefighters of Camp Taji.

The firefighting team is assembled from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard's 215th Engineering Detachment and the Army Reserve's 287th and 356th Engineering Detachments, based in Massachusetts. The 1st Cavalry Division firefighters on Camp Taji play a pivotal role as first responders to a variety of situations ranging from hazardous material clean-up to crash and rescue services.

"As a firefighter you have to know so much more than how to put out a fire. With all the extra skills the guys here have, we are able to bring so much more to the table then just fighting fires," said Staff Sgt. Alfredo Torres, of the 215th Engineer Detachment. "Many of our guys are certified Emergency Medical Technicians, so we are able to provide assistance to the medical companies here when needed. We have the ability to collect hazardous material and package it for disposal. We are trained in crash and rescue so we can support the aviation brigade."

In addition to the tangible skills related to their job, the Soldiers of the detachment offer classes, and they inspect all of the many newly constructed buildings prior to their occupancy.

"About once a month we give fire prevention classes and instruction on how to properly use a fire extinguisher," said Boston resident Spc. Mohan Pilwah, a pump operator with the 287th Engineer Detachment. "Units are also able to come to us and request classes relevant to our field, and we do our best to meet their requirements and provide the training."

""We wouldn't be able to do what we do were it not for the tight bond and sense of brotherhood that exists between each of us," Spc. Mohan Pilwah, 287th Engineer Detachment

With so many different tasks for the team to accomplish, teamwork within the group is essential.

The last of his equipment having been checked and rechecked Spc. Pinael Roamel stands ready to mount his vehicle and head to the scene of an emergency. Roamel is assigned to the Puerto Rico National Guard's 215th Engineering Detachment, attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Benjamin Cossel

"We wouldn't be able to do what we do were it not for the tight bond and sense of brotherhood that exists between each of us," Pilwah noted. "You go charging into a burning building and you just know you can rely on the guy behind you, and it extends beyond that. I know in that every mission I do, the guys with me are going to be there, they've got my back."

Ask any firefighter what drives them, what compels them to go into a burning building where any mistake could mean their life.

"You do this because you love helping people," Pilwah said. "And over here, the stakes are so much higher. You know, you do this back home and most folks have insurance so at least they are financially compensated for anything they may lose. But here... a Soldier's trailer goes up in flames due to a mortar strike, and that's all they've got in the world right now."

When the alarm calling the firefighters to duty sounds, the countdown begins. Within two minutes, the engine company of four personnel donned the 85 pounds worth of protective gear the job requires. They jumped into the truck carrying 6,000 gallons of water and sped down the road to the scene of the accident.

Steeling themselves for the mission ahead, they repeat an often-used mantra expressed by Spc. William Miranda, of the 215th Engineer Detachment: "I have to win this. I have to beat this fire. I have to save whoever is in danger. I must, above all else, win this."

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