'Firefighter Gary' joins RAF Mildenhall's fire prevention team

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department has a new addition to their team. "Firefighter Gary" is the newest recruit in the fire prevention flight, and will join Sparky the Fire Dog and his firefighter friends, when they attend events on and off base.

I recently got to meet Firefighter Gary, and ask him a few questions:

Q: So Firefighter Gary, I know most of the guys here have nicknames for each other. What do they call you?

A: Tiny. I think it's because I have quite small feet.

Q: I noticed you getting stuck in the hall way, and - I hope you don't mind me saying this - you make Sparky look like a puppy! How tall are you exactly?

A: 10 feet tall with my fire helmet on.

Q: Where do you call home?

A: Wherever I lay my (fire) hat.

Q: I'm guessing the regular fire protection suits don't fit you. Do you have your own?

A: Yes - I have them specially made; Chief (Funkhouser) approved it, as they cost a little more than the other guys' do.

Q: You must be pretty useful to have around. What's your role when there's a response to a fire?

A: I love to save people that are trapped in high places.

Q: I saw you next to Rescue 3 and there didn't seem like there would be much room for you and the other guys in the truck. How do you get on-scene when there's a response?

A: I ride on the pumper truck.

Q: Where do you sleep during a shift, as the other firefighters' bunks must be too small for you?

A: We have our own in-house carpenter, Firefighter Richard Pooley, who designed my specialized bedroom. He also refurbished our games room and I like to relax in there after a tough workout in the gym.

Q: Where's your favorite place to vacation?

A: When I'm in the states, I love to visit Yosemite National Park and walk through the Redwood shrubs. Here in Britain, I like Edinburgh, as it only takes me a few minutes to climb the mountains, and I can paddle in the lochs, and Bury St. Edmunds, as it only takes me five minutes to jog there.

Q: Do you have any hobbies, Firefighter Gary?

A: I like to lift weights, water ski, play with Sparky, and entertain my number one fans - the children!

Q: Any final words of wisdom that you'd like to share with RAF Mildenhall?

A: No matter how big or small, fire prevention matters to us all! Stay fire safe! Oh, and of course, check out the RAF Mildenhall Web site at www.mildenhall.af.mil.