Two departments, one objective Published Aug. 21, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Brandon May 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Del Rio Fire Department participated in an aircraft live-fire training exercise with the Laughlin Fire Department Aug. 19 on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The aircraft live-fire training exercise is designed to familiarize firefighters to the techniques that are involved with extinguishing an aircraft fire. "It is good to have the Del Rio Fire Department participate in the exercise with us because it provides a 'breadth of experience'," said David Isbell, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron/Civil Engineer Flight chief of fire emergency services. "We all follow the same general rules and regulations, but this gives us a chance to get a different perspective." It is also part of the Air Force fire protection job description that Airmen are trained to deal with everything from brush fires, to burning rocket fuel and hazardous material fires; making this type of training necessary. The mock aircraft became a way to train on Laughlin in the late 90's and is fueled by propane. Prior to the mock aircraft, training was accomplished by extinguishing an area covered in JP-8. The propane fueled mock aircraft cannot be extinguished by the firefighters, but it can be easily shut off with valves if necessary. The switch from JP-8 (jet propellant) to propane also makes this new trainer better for the environment. Del Rio firefighters join Laughlin firefighters at least once a year for the training exercise. It's training that is required for the city firefighters to obtain their Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting certification, which is mandatory to have in case of an emergency at the Del Rio International Airport. "We appreciate, and are thankful that Laughlin invites us to come out and train," said Hector Martinez, the lieutenant training officer for the Del Rio Fire Department. It is also beneficial for the DRFD to get this type of training in case a Laughlin aircraft were to experience an emergency inside of city limits, since they would be the first ones on scene. "This training really helps our guys improve their skills and learn techniques from the Laughlin firefighters, as well as get the certifications we need," said Martinez.