(Toledo News Now) - The 180th Fire Wing of the Ohio National Air National Guard is not your average fire wing. In addition to the dispatch center, the 180th Fire Wing has a team of 24 full-time and 37 part-time fire fighters on staff.
"We're here first and foremost for the Air National Guard aircraft," said Ned Mcelfresh. "We provide emergency services for the jets you hear flying over all the time. Number two, we have a state mission for our guys, at the governor's request, can be put anywhere in the state of Ohio in four hours."
Their mission includes defense support for civil authorities and mutual aid to local area fire departments. In 2014, the team responded to more than 30 mutual aid requests and are credited with saving two lives.
"We're a part of this community. And to have an asset that's the National Guard and also to be a community asset, is just cool for us. We like that," said Mcelfrash.
Assistant Chief Joseph Riley says that all of them are highly trained with the discipline and knowledge all missions require.
"There are a multitude of hazards that go along with this air craft. It requires a great deal of discipline to safely operate around a running F-16. So the ability to train and get a hands on approach to this aircraft will only benefit in the event there's an actual emergency with the aircraft," said Riley.
Wednesday, the team demonstrated a pilot extraction exercise from an F-16.
Commander Craig Baker says that the motto for 180th is to provide for America. Baker wants the community to know that they're here for them.
"Our roots within the community," said Baker. "The reason why we exist is because of the community. And I want them to be able to understand that as we tell the community what it is that we do," said Baker.
The 180th is planning an air show for the community in August of next year.
