KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- “Protecting those who defend America.” That’s the motto firefighters and emergency services across the Department of War live by. The 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department carried that spirit through Fire Prevention Week, held Oct. 3–9, 2025, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
Fire Prevention Week featured a variety of events designed to educate the Kadena community about fire safety, and highlight the essential role firefighters play in keeping the installation safe. Activities included an open house, interactive booths at the Base Exchange, school demonstrations, and live displays of vehicle extractions and fire suppression.
“Fire safety isn’t just a one-week event. It’s a year-round commitment,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jameson Golden, 18th CES firefighter and non-commissioned officer in charge of fire prevention. “Fire Prevention Week just gives us a great opportunity to bring everyone into our home, meet their local firefighters, and see what we do every day.”
This year’s national theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” focused on raising awareness about safely buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries; a growing source of household fires worldwide.
The 18th CES Fire Department operates on 48-hour shifts and responds to more than 1,000 calls annually on Kadena alone, providing emergency services for flightline operations, fire emergencies, and medical responses.
“It’s a demanding schedule, but it helps us serve our community at a higher level,” said Golden. “Our mission is to be there for people who may not know how to handle the chaos of an emergency.”
While responding to emergencies is vital, the best way to safeguard a community is through prevention — and that begins with partnership. When residents understand potential hazards and take proactive steps to reduce risks, everyone plays a part in keeping Kadena safe.
“Fire Prevention Week is important because we can communicate directly with the community and let them know what current issues we’re dealing with from a fire safety standpoint,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott Breitbach, 18th CES fire inspector. “It gives us a good opportunity to not only show people what we do, but also work actively with them to prevent fire emergencies from happening in the future.”
The open house gave families a hands-on look at firefighting equipment and demonstrations, including structural and vehicle fire trucks, rope rescue tools, and hydraulic rescue equipment such as the “Jaws of Life.” Children explored Sparky’s Bouncy House, advanced hoselines, operated fire hoses, and experienced a virtual fire truck simulator.
“This year’s open house was one of our best yet,” Golden said. “The kids had fun, the families learned something new, and everyone got to see the kind of work we do to protect them. That’s what it’s all about.”
The week concluded with a fire truck parade featuring 18th Wing leadership and local fire departments from Kadena, Nirai, Okinawa City, Futenma, the Army, and White Beach. Firefighters handed out candy along the route, wrapping up the week with smiles and sirens — and a message that the 18th CES Fire Department stands ready to respond and protect.