Intel

Off-Duty Fire Department Airmen Help Rescue Victim After Accident

August 11, 2020Ethan E. Rocke
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon LaValla and Airman 1st Class Brandon Franklin, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services firefighters, pose for a photo at Spandahlem Air Base, Germany, July 24, 2020. LaValla and Franklin demonstrated their capabilities by saving a victim from a distressed vehicle on their way home from training and ensured the safety of the victim and bystanders. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon LaValla and Airman 1st Class Brandon Franklin, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services firefighters, pose for a photo at Spandahlem Air Base, Germany, July 24, 2020. LaValla and Franklin demonstrated their capabilities by saving a victim from a distressed vehicle on their way home from training and ensured the safety of the victim and bystanders. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley

The 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services flight go through extensive training day in and day out to ensure Spangdahlem Air Base and host nation emergencies are taken care of and everyone is safe.


When real-life emergencies arise, the 52nd CES FES Airmen are ready to assist and save those in need.


U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon LaValla and Airman 1st Class Brandon Franklin, 52nd CES firefighters, helped render first aid to the driver of a semi-tractor-trailer truck who sustained injuries from a vehicle accident while host nation first responders were on the way.


Lavalla and Franklin were off duty and driving home from Silver Flag, a training requirement for 52nd FES flight to ensure their deployment readiness.


“We were on our way home from dinner and noticed everyone was stomping on their brakes,” said LaValla. “We noticed everyone on top of a ditch looking down, and that is when we saw a man in a tipped-over vehicle.


LaValla and Franklin saw bystanders putting a tree branch into the cracked window of the vehicle, an effort to pry the windshield open to save the victim.


“We noticed there was gas leaking out of the victim’s vehicle and knew we needed to get him out of there,” said Franklin. “We were very lucky, we noticed there was a sunroof that was cracked open, so we popped it completely open and got him out.”


After getting the victim out of the vehicle, LaValla said they assessed him for injuries.


“He was pretty scratched up,” said LaValla. “Right after we assessed him, host nation first responders arrived on scene.”


LaValla and Franklin knew what to do in this real-life situation due to the training they receive.


“We go through a specific training called vehicle extrication,” said LaValla. “When we saw the accident, we knew the steps to take to keep bystanders away from the leaking gasoline. We did as much as we could until first responders showed up.”


Their supervisors, Staff Sgt. Matthew Pinnetti and Staff Sgt. William Johnson, 52nd CES FES firefighters, said they could not be prouder of their Airmen and their actions during that day.


“Franklin exemplifies what it means to be an Airman on and off duty,” said Johnson. “He would do anything at a moment’s notice for anyone in need.”


“LaValla is an exceptional Airman and always takes that next step to ensure he is more proficient at his job,” said Pinnetti. “We are lucky to have him in our department and in the Air Force as a whole.”



Ethan E. Rocke
Ethan E. Rocke

Ethan E. Rocke is a contributor and former senior editor for Coffee or Die Magazine, a New York Times bestselling author, and award-winning photographer and filmmaker. He is a veteran of the US Army and Marine Corps. His work has been published in Maxim Magazine, American Legion Magazine, and many others. He is co-author of The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team THREE Sniper’s True Account of the Battle of Ramadi.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Curtis LeMay
Curtis LeMay: The World War II General Who Firebombed Japan

Who exactly was Gen. Curtis LeMay? And how did he become the commander who razed more than 60 Japanese cities during World War II?

eric smith marine corps commandant nominee
Highly Decorated Marine Officer Nominated To Be Next Commandant

President Joe Biden has nominated a highly decorated Marine officer who has been involved in the transformation of the force to be the next Marine Corps commandant.

USS Arizona
Profile of a Ship: USS Arizona

When the USS Arizona sank, it took 1,177 crew members with it. Today it remains beneath the water as a memorial to all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

b1 bombers bosnia
US Bombers Fly Over Bosnia in Sign of Support Amid Continued Secessionist Threats

A pair of U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew low over Sarajevo and several other Bosnian cities...

SR-71 Blackbird
SR-71 Blackbird: The Spy Plane That Could Outrun Missiles

Lockheed Martin’s SR-71 Blackbird was a government secret for years. Now retired, a newer version plans to take its place.

medal of honor recipient remains returned
Missing 73 Years, Medal of Honor Recipient's Remains Return To Georgia

Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Regiment made a desperate retreat as North Korean troops closed in arou...

dear jack
Dear Jack: My Battalion Is Out of Control

In this installment of “Dear Jack,” Marine veteran and amateur life coach Jack Mandaville advises a lieutenant colonel on how to restore order in the lower ranks.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved