Laughlin F.D. makes record time responding to fire

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It was 1:15 on a cold December morning when the Laughlin Fire Department received a call to respond to a house fire on base.

Less than 15 minutes later, the fire fighters had already raced across the base and smothered the fire, keeping a Laughlin Airman and her family safe.

"The fire department was on scene within four minutes and the fire was out in another six," said David Isbell, Laughlin Fire Department assistant chief of fire prevention. "To put it into perspective, the firefighters went from "sound asleep" to "fire out" in 10 minutes."

Laughlin fire fighters haven't responded to a house fire in more than ten years, but thanks to the continuous training they receive, the fire fighters are ready to support as soon as they're needed.

"This is what we train for, to save lives and property," said Mr. Isbell. "Mr. Antonio Rodriquez, assistant chief on duty, directed the firefighters to conduct an offensive operation. With no one inside the home we were able to focus all of our attention and resources on extinguishing the fire. Firefighters train on this type of offensive operation every month to stay proficient." 

Thanks to the incredible job from the fire fighters, Senior Airman Jaclyn Kaiser, 47th Contracting Squadron, and her family received the minor medical attention they needed and the fire did minimal damage to the entire house.

The fire fighters performed exceptionally well, said Mr. Isbell. The fire damage was contained to the kitchen and the rest of the house only received smoke and heat damage.

"I think we did an amazing job," said Senior Airman Joseph Sleeman, Laughlin Fire Department. "We receive the best training a fire fighter could ask for, so going into the fire, I knew we were all completely confident we would get the job done and save everything we possibly could."

Even though it was a very stressful time for Airman Kaiser and her family, she was still able to feel the love and support of her "Laughlin family" who came to lend a hand in their time of need.

"I was relieved to get out of the house safe with my family, and before I knew it we felt the support from our Laughlin family," said Airman Kaiser with an overwhelming look of appreciation in her eyes. "I also had no worries once I was out of the house; I had full confidence in the fire department. Their bravery is an inspiration and I knew they would take care of my home and pets."

That night, Airman Kaiser started receiving immediate help from her leadership, co-workers and the entire Laughlin community.

"It was remarkable to see Laughlin's generosity demonstrated without hesitation," said Master Sgt. Jimmy Whittington, 47th Mission Support Group first sergeant. "The Kaiser family had been donated everything they needed to live for the first day or so within hours of the incident. Days following the event, the Laughlin community gave more than four trucks full of supplies including food, clothes, money and even furniture."

Due to all the support from a base that she now calls family, Airman Kaiser shares her gratitude.

"My family and I are so fortunate to be members of the Laughlin family," Airman Kaiser explained. "Laughlin gave us hope in one of the most difficult times. There was not a day that went by during the first week or so after the fire that we did not have plenty of people checking up on us to see if we were doing alright. The main thing I want you all to know is that no matter where I go in life I will remember what the men and women of the 47th Flying Training Wing did for me and my family. I am proud to serve with each and every one of them."