Aviano firefighters show support at national gathering

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy --  Airmen from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight participated in the first national gathering of firefighters Sept. 10 to 12 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The Aviano firefighters were invited to attend the gathering that included thousands of firefighters across Italy as well as New York City Fire Department firefighters.

"It was a huge deal to come and celebrate being firefighters and the brotherhood that comes with that," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Amacker, 31st CES fire chief. "Firefighters all over the world form a bond. We always help each other, provide support. It is really a close career field."

Seven Aviano firefighters showed the Cortina community their rescue truck and command vehicle as well as spoke with them about their mission as Air Force firefighters.

"This is a demonstration of brotherhood and solidarity with all the firefighters and that is really important," Chief Amacker said. "It was a good event and really well done. The amount of people out there is incredible."

The national gathering included a memorial ceremony, a parade through the city, a motorcycle ride, dinner, music and entertainment, and exhibits and a fireworks display.

"I think it is somehow heart-warming to realize that firefighters from so many different European countries are gathering in Cortina, Italy, to celebrate the sacrifices of not only their profession, but specifically the New York firefighters and their sacrifices on Sept. 11, 2001," said Lt. Col. Matthew Robinson, 31st CES commander. "It was an awesome display of camaraderie and a very memorable opportunity for our Air Force firefighters to socialize and communicate with their fellow professionals, as well as to talk with and cheer for the NYFD being honored by Italian dignitaries. Culminating the spectacular day, both from scenic and festive perspective, was the parade honoring generations of firefighters from the late 19th and early 20th centuries through more modern departments. People of all ages packed the hand-laid stone streets and cheered as multi-national firefighters proudly marched by, and right in the middle of the hoopla was the New York and Aviano firefighters marching one after another. For our heroes, it doesn't get any better than that."