By Senior Airman Keenan Berry, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published July 01, 2015
The reflection of Airman 1st Class Luis Betancur, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, is shown in a puddle as he dons a helmet at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. Firefighters exhibit valor within their heroic deeds to instill hope in victims while facing danger. Betancur said he dreamed of being a firefighter since he was 5 years old. He was inspired by his dad’s friend, a firefighter who served for many years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Airmen from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron engage in a structural exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. Firefighters establish trust in one another to ensure everyone’s safety is accounted for and each member returns in one piece. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Airman 1st Class Kaleb Frazier, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, squeezes water from a fire hose at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. The hose is a firefighter’s weapon to defeating raging fires that pose threats to lives, equipment and the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
A helmet waits to be used by firefighters from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. The helmet symbolizes camaraderie and brotherhood, and is a badge of honor for risking their lives to save others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Airmen from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron perform a gear check in the fire truck bay at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. After morning formation, firefighters tend to their assigned duties and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Members from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron perform an aircraft exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. The structural exercise ensures firefighting readiness capabilities are fine tuned. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Airman Cody Burns, right, and Airman 1st Class Kaleb Frazier, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, inspect a fire truck’s engine oil and transmission fluid at Whiteman Air Force Base Mo., May 28, 2015. Firefighters understand the significant impact their job has on the mission and on Whiteman’s safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Airman 1st Class Luis Bentacur, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, straps his helmet at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 4, 2015. Firefighters from the 509th CES said they have a sense of pride and honor in their job to save lives, ensuring Airmen and their families are safe from fires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Members from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron perform a structural exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. Firefighters train hard daily, ensuring each member understands the proper procedures and protocol necessary to fight fires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
The pump panel of a fire truck remains available for emergencies at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. The pump panel is used to direct water flow to the appropriate hose lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
Members from the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron perform a safety check at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. Saftey checks ensure gear and mask is properly donned and sealed to prevent exposure to fire and smoke. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Nathan Silk, right, and Jason Lopez, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, inventory equipment at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 28, 2015. Keeping inventory is important to ensure equipment is accounted for in order to perform daily duties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)