CSFD, Pete Fire hold joint exercise Published Oct. 22, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Peterson and Colorado Springs firefighters spent two days battling fires in windy, chilly conditions this month, all in the name of teamwork. Members of both teams spent the mornings of Oct. 18 and 19 on base, training for a variety of scenarios involving airplane fires. Using the base's fire training site, the crew worked together to extinguish blazes inside the cockpit and on the plane's wings; they even spent some time rescuing mannequin "victims" from the scene. The exercises helped Colorado Springs firefighters learn how to better deal with airplane crashes, but the two days were really about letting the teams get to know each other, said Dave Reynolds, Peterson's assistant fire chief. "We work together on a continuous basis, so we have to be very comfortable with each other," he said. "The more we work together, the better that comfort level is going to get." Partnering for exercises also allows the two teams to share knowledge with each other and discuss ways the departments can share the unique pieces of equipment each one owns, Mr. Reynolds said. In the past, the two departments have rarely scheduled joint training exercises - something both teams said they're working to change. The Colorado Springs Fire Department is planning on hosting Peterson for some exercises at the city's training tower in the near future, and more joint exercises will likely follow. "We're not doing this often enough," said Troy Branham, training officer with the CSFD. "This type of thing, we're going to be doing a lot more of it." Master Sgt. Chris Raynor, a firefighter on Peterson, has worked with the CSFD on joint exercises and also participated in a program that allows Peterson firefighters to spend a day working with the Colorado Springs department. He said the extra time spent with the CSFD will help both departments to better handle future emergencies. "Now I've got some familiar faces," he said. "When they show up, I know what their capabilities are, and they know what my capabilities are. That's really helpful."