Firefighters support earthquake victims, first responders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew M. Satran
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters handed care packages to Udine Red Cross Sept. 8, 2016, for victims and first responders, after an earthquake struck central Italy on Aug. 24, 2016.

The firefighters collected approximately 1,000 pounds of supplies ranging from diapers to hygiene items over a three-week period.

This relationship in the first-responder community demonstrates how a service-before-self attitude has no boundary.

“I was on an Italian fire department before joining the 31st CES team,” said Fabrizio La Marca, 31st CES fire fighter crew chief. “Firefighting is a job that doesn’t have barriers. We all do the same stuff, helping people in any way we can.”

La Marca is also a volunteer for the Pordenone Red Cross. His relationship with them, along with his prior experience as an Italian firefighter opened the door for Team Aviano to provide aid after the disaster.

“After I received the list of items needed, I tried to figure out how to give the responders there what they needed as soon as possible,” La Marca said. “The first responders and victims are sleeping in tents, and besides the clothing, they need other items to help relieve the stress.”

But, La Marca was not alone in his endeavor. Airman 1st Class Antonyio Villarreal, 31st CES fire fighter, said he was happy to show support for the towns and his fellow fire fighters affected by the earthquake.

“It feels awesome to be part of a big brotherhood that helps you when you’re down,” Villarreal said.

Though the natural disaster was devastating to the communities affected, the firefighter and first-responder community remains vigilant, supporting one another regardless of geography.

“I just want to thank Team Aviano,” La Marca said. “This was a team effort to provide support and send our prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy.”