AFRC Fire Chief’s Annual Workshop

U.S. Air Force Senior Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Waters, Air Force Reserve Command fire chief, speaks to the attendees of the AFRC Fire Chief’s Conference in the Event Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 3, 2019. The chiefs came together from all over the country to learn about the new training being taught at Goodfellow, discussed the career field, and attended the Firefighter Memorial Ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman/Released)

AFRC Fire Chief’s Annual Workshop

Members from the Air Force Reserve Command Fire Chief’s Conference pose for a group photo during their meeting at Goodfellow Air Force Base, May 2 to May 4, 2019. The chiefs toured Goodfellow getting a glimpse at the training that their troops go through, discussed finances across the AFRC, and their mission in general. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman/Released)

AFRC Fire Chief’s Annual Workshop

Members from the Air Force Reserve Command Fire Chief’s Conference use the Norma Brown Trainer to simulate a multi-shift long emergency in the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 2, 2019. The Norma Brown Trainer is a program, which was able to simulate many different types of emergencies catering to the needs of the chiefs and their training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman/Released)

AFRC fire chief’s meet at Goodfellow, visit fire training schoolhouse

Published May 6, 2019
By Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The Air Force Reserve Command Fire Chief’s Conference meets every year, this year the assembly chose Goodfellow to host their conference which spanned from May 1 through 3.

While the chiefs were at Goodfellow, they visited the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, since all DOD firefighters receive their training there.

“We went to the academy, we saw school house to see first-hand what our new Airmen are going through, and how it has changed,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Stewart, 512th Airlift Wing fire chief. “We got to see how they are training and what is expected of them.”

Learning how the students train was only a part of their agenda.

The reservists also made sure to keep up with their own practices. During their tour of the Fire Academy they used the Norma Brown Trainer to work together and simulate emergencies stretching multiple shifts.

“It is a chance to bring together all of the fire chiefs from across the country and from all of the reserve units to share information,” said Stewart.

There were some members who have yet to sew on the rank of chief, however, they were in attendance so that they can get a view of how the AFRC operates.

“It’s good for the big picture,” said Tech. Sgt. Joe Hillstrom, 934th Fire Department assistant chief of operations. “To get all chiefs from all of the 28 reserve bases together and have the reserve fire chief come and talk about the reserves as a whole.”

Having the reservists visit Goodfellow Also provides systematic and regulation checks for maintaining a high standard in the learning environment.

“I hope that it shows them that we are keeping up on the new information and technology that is coming out,” said Stewart. “I think that they feel that we are staying on par with active duty, just as we should be.”