Sioux City Fire and Rescue renew training with 185th ARW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Asbra
  • 185 ARW Public Affairs
Sioux City, Iowa --  Sioux City Fire and Rescue, and Fire Emergency Services from the 185th Air Refueling Wing have always had a good working relationship, according to 185th Fire Emergency Services Fire Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Albrecht, but after more than two decades, Fire Emergency Services and Sioux City Fire and Rescue are training together this week at the Sioux City Airport.

The Emergency Response Units are training together on the Mobile Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Trainer, or MARFT, at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa from May 10-12th. The MARFT, which resembles the fuselage of an aircraft, can simulate a number of different fire scenarios.

Besides improving efficiency between the two departments, the joint training allows 185th Fire Emergency Services to be included in Sioux City's Insurance Services Organization rating for the first time.

Albrecht says having the 185th people and resources included could help to improve Sioux City's ISO rating. That improved rating would in turn save Sioux City homeowners and business owner's money on their property insurance costs.

"We will train with Sioux City fire on structural firefighting evolutions to make sure that the two departments are operating together efficiently and with the same types of evolutions so that a joint firefighting effort would go smoothly," said Albrecht. "We are equipped staffed and trained to be able to provide structural firefighting and emergency medical services outside the installation."

According to Albrecht, the Mutual Aide Agreement, which allows 185th Fire Emergency Services to respond to emergencies with area fire departments, along with the joint training will only strengthen the 185th relationship with the community.

"We have responded to emergencies with Sioux City Emergency for years but this is the first time in 20 years or more that we have trained together," said Albrecht. "We are a resource in our community and we anticipate being utilized in our community."

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