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Firefighter saves couple
Senior Airman Jared Adams demonstrates a self-contained breathing apparatus to reporters from KWCH-TV, a Wichita, Kan., television station Jan. 31, 2011, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Airman Adams is a firefighter assigned to the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron. He was recognized by KWCH-TV reporters for rescuing a couple from a house fire. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)
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McConnell firefighter saves couple

Posted 2/3/2011 Email story   Print story

    


by Senior Airman Abigail Klein
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs


2/3/2011 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) -- Casting personal safety aside, one firefighter here rescued a local couple from a potential disaster Jan. 30.

The rescue was performed by Senior Airman Jared Adams, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who was off-duty at the time. While driving past a home in Wichita, Kan., Airman Adams noticed flames erupting from the home's roof.

Airman Adams, along with two other friends who were passengers in the vehicle, sprung into action, calling 9-1-1, while at the same time notifying the residents of the home.

The residents were unaware of the fire, as they had been napping before Airman Adams and his friends knocked on their door.

"I'm naturally calm," Airman Adams said. "I just told them their house was on fire. I said it with a tone: Get out now."

Because of their quick reaction time, Airman Adams and his friends were not only able to save the couple, but they were also able to save the couple's pets despite a thick cloud of smoke accumulating within the house.

Airman Adams' friends said they were impressed by his actions.

"He acted like a fireman," said Rena Baumgartner. "He was yelling, 'get out, get your stuff and get out!'"

Airman Adams, recognized as a hero by the couple and the members of his squadron, said his training as an Air Force firefighter is the reason he was able to spring into action.

"I'm happy for what I did," Airman Adams said. "I would do it for anybody."



tabComments
2/6/2011 8:15:08 AM ET
A job well done by one of the Air Force's finest, but I would expect no less from any other member of the Air Force. A hero is not defined by the career field they comes from but the amount of courage they can muster when a crises happens. Good job Senior Airman Adams. You have mustered that courage and past the test.
SMSgt Claude Ezzell, Robins AFB
 
2/4/2011 5:55:14 PM ET
What they didn't say it wasn't just Adams that did this and his companions were Air Force wives.
Jean, Muskegon MI
 
2/4/2011 1:16:12 PM ET
This is a great story and its wonderful what he did.
Airman Jackson, Nellis AFB Nv
 
2/4/2011 1:09:34 PM ET
This is a great story. Being a former Fire dawg, this makes me proud. The training you recieved allowed you to know what needed to be done and how to do it safely. Be proud of the badge and wear it with honor. You stayed calm and made sure to let others know what needed to be done - LEADERSHIP. Your friends and you should keep your heads held high and be proud.
T. Jones, Vandyland
 
2/4/2011 12:21:54 PM ET
That's what we call service before self.
Mr. S, DAFB DE
 
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