Ocean Avenue and the AMTRAK railway separate Fire Station 5 from 2,553 nautical miles of Pacific Ocean before reaching Hawaii. In the face of this great expanse, and with 43 miles of coastline belonging to the base, the need for an atypical set of training has continually evolved since its inception.
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department innovated new ways for their first responders to serve our populace along the coast and in the water.
According to Alani Coleman, 30th CES fire fighter and water rescue teammate, at any time Vandenberg beaches can have anywhere from 150 to 200 people. With 14 years’ experience here, Coleman has earned his share of learning opportunities that along with others have created a better program.
“I was part of the water rescue program early in my career as a Hotshot,” Coleman said. “Soon after transitioning over to the floor [Fire Station 5] we got reports of a small ‘dingy’, an aluminum boat, overturned from the surf with three people on board…and one was missing.