What does a fire prevention officer do? Published March 28, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Andrew Kehl 18th Civil Engineer Squadron KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Fire prevention officers serve several important roles in their communities. They are the top agents in the military community when it comes to fire safety. As public servants, they prevent fires and save lives. "Fire prevention officers are the first line of defense against potential fires," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Mohr, 18th Wing fire chief. Fire prevention officers patrol and inspect buildings to find and eliminate fire hazards. They also help discourage vandalism, enforce rules and regulations and they safeguard life and property at state facilities and institutions. Fire prevention officers respond to fire alarms, report irregular activities, answer questions from people, and give fire safety directions to employees and the public. "Fire prevention officers develop, implement and actually perform fire safety programs to any member or group of members in the community," said Mohr. "Whether it's teaching fire prevention practices to daycare center children, elementary school, all the way through high school kids and community groups or community associations, we do it all." Fire prevention officers are also implementers and teachers. Another part of their job is incorporating programs developed by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. It is the leading authority in the world when it comes to fire safety and standards. "We teach people fire prevention practices in order to help them lead a fire-safe life," said Mohr. "We also do fire safety training relating specifically to extinguishers. We go out and use simulators that actually put businesses and employees through extinguisher training to teach them how to safely and appropriately use a fire extinguisher." The chief knows first-hand what fire prevention officers do; he is not only the fire chief, but also a certified fire inspector. Fire inspectors are in charge of the scheduling and planning of all community prevention programs. They have a variety of tasks to do on a daily basis, which constantly change. "My favorite part of my job is getting to deal with members of the community, getting to talk to people. Hopefully what they have learned can make a difference one day if they ever face one of these fire incidents," said Staff Sgt. Michael Satchell, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector. For more information regarding fire safety in the Kadena community, please feel free to call the Kadena Fire Department prevention office at 634-4500.