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Pease Fire and Emergency Services in Action

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Victoria Nelson
  • 157th CES

PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NH -- Pease Fire and Emergency Services of the 157th Air Refueling Wing assisted two local communities and conducted live-fire aircraft rescue firefighting training at the State of New Hampshire Fire Academy in the past few weeks.

On Saturday April 23, Pease Fire and Emergency Services responded to Lebanon, Maine to assist with a five-alarm structure fire. Crews initially were dispatched for fire station coverage for the Lebanon Fire Department’s headquarters, but were redirected to the scene for salvage and overhaul operations.

“A lot of the surrounding communities from both New Hampshire and Maine came to help,” said Preston Crowell, a firefighter and EMT with Pease Fire and Emergency Services. “When we got there the barn was rubble but we all just helped Lebannon as best we could.”

Pease F&ES Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Verespe said the crews worked tirelessly to extinguish all hot spots for the prevention of a rekindle. Their actions ensured all surrounding areas to include homes and forests remained safe.  

On Friday May 13, Pease F&ES was requested for mutual aid to the York Beach Fire Department for assistance during a three-alarm structure fire. Firefighters assisted at the scene and also ensured the Town was protected while Pease Engine 8 crews were stationed out of the York Beach Fire Station.

 “The strong working relationships we have between mutual aid partners was a key to everyone’s quick response,” said Verespe. “We relied on crews from Greenland Fire Department to help cover Pease during the mutual aid request.”

Eight hours later many of the same firefighters conducted annual live-fire training in Concord, N.H. They complete the training each year to remain certified and able to provide the highest level of service to protect Pease Air National Guard Base and Portsmouth International Airport.

“It has been a busy few weeks,” said Verespe. “It was a good experience getting to help the surrounding communities and working together.”