Fire Department kindles DAADD program, dispatches firefighters as volunteers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department has volunteered to step in when there are no other volunteers when Airmen call the Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving program.

"Volunteering to pick people up is simply the right thing to do because it's our number one priority and our responsibility as supervisors to take care of our Airmen," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Brown, 436th CES fire chief, who believes volunteering to drive can save lives.

Most people volunteer when they're off duty, but for the firefighters on base, they're able to volunteer for DAADD while on duty.

"It doesn't interrupt our duties to protect the base and participate in support of the DAADD mission - which is about saving lives," said Sergeant Brown. "Protecting people on base is one of our primary missions, so I would rather send one vehicle to pick up an Airman than to respond to an actual incident with multiple vehicles to take them to the emergency room because of an automobile accident."

The sergeant shared a personal story of the consequences from drinking and driving that changed his life.

"During my senior year of high school, one of my good friends was killed in a single roll-over vehicle accident because he was drinking and driving," said Sergeant Brown.

He went through the stages of grieving, being in denial and shock because he couldn't believe his friend was really dead. Sergeant Brown was angry that his friend didn't think ahead and decided to drive instead.

"I felt very guilty because I wished I could have done something to prevent it from happening, but I know that I can't change the past," he said. "Though we're all adults who can make our own life decisions, my friend ended up paying the ultimate price because he didn't have a plan and decided to get behind the wheel.

"I saw the consequences of his actions, and from that day on, I've learned people should always have a plan when alcohol is involved," stressed the sergeant.

Driving while intoxicated is dangerous and against the law, but it affects more than just the driver - it affects every one else on the road.

"I don't want to feel unsafe driving on the road or get into a car accident because of a drunk driver," said Sergeant Brown. "I care about the safety of my wife and two children while they're on the road."

The sergeant advises Airmen to sit down and think about a plan before drinking, and not be afraid to add DAADD as part of the plan.

"Younger Airmen may feel intimidated to call for a ride, but I believe supervisors would agree with me when I say I would rather pick up an Airman than to identify one at the morgue," said Sergeant Brown.

Airmen can call without fear because their identity is remained anonymous and there is no reprisal for calling DAADD.

"It's useful because Airmen (ages 21 and over) who live in the dorms that don't own a car can still go out and have a good time, and get a free ride back to the base," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Kynard, 436th CES firefighter. "The privacy policy is great and you don't get in trouble calling for a ride."