Romario Arango

As a fully trained firefighter with the 562nd Military Detachment at Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department, I engage in comprehensive firefighting and rescue operations to protect life and property.

My responsibilities include responding to alarms and combating fires in various scenarios such as structures, equipment, facilities, aircraft, vehicles, chemicals, fuel storage, ammunition storage, and brush fires. I handle both small and large aircraft, requiring expertise in managing diverse fuel quantities and complex design features.

In my role, I alternate between several key positions including hoseman, ladderman, hydrantman, rescueman, nozzleman, salvage man, and hand lineman. As a hydrantman, I unreel and connect hoses to establish water supplies and lay hoselines. As a lineman, I operate charged lines, raise ladders, use portable and stationary firefighting apparatus, ventilate buildings and aircraft, evacuate or rescue occupants, and administer first aid and artificial respiration.

I am proficient in using a range of firefighting tools such as axes, bars, hooks, and gas masks. I assist the injured by applying emergency medical procedures and ensure that the fire station and equipment are maintained to be fully operational. Holding certifications for three out of four driver’s licenses, I regularly serve as the Driver/Operator of motorized fire apparatus.

As the team leader of my detachment, I conduct fire protection inspections in areas prone to fire hazards. I inspect quarters, office buildings, barracks, hospitals, and warehouses for fire risks such as overloaded circuits, trash accumulation, improper storage of combustible materials, and blocked exits. I also perform visual and mechanical checks of fire alarm systems to ensure their operability, prepare reports on unsafe conditions, coordinate with the Fire Protection Inspector, and follow up on corrective actions.

Certified as a HazMat Technician, I respond to hazardous material and CBRNE incidents. I survey scenes to control releases, identify hazards, collect and interpret data, assess container damage, and assist in developing strategies and tactics. My advanced control operations include cooling, plugging, patching containers, applying diluting sprays or neutralizing agents, and constructing dams or dikes using specialized protective clothing and equipment. Additionally, I manage decontamination of personnel, equipment, and supplies. To maintain my proficiency, I participate in regular drills, simulations, and refresher training.

• Army Service Ribbon
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Medal
• 
  

• Firefighter I - 2541496
• Firefighter II - 2541497
• Airport Firefighter - 2541498
• Driver/Operator Pumper - 2625149
• Driver/Operator ARFF - 2780801
• Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply - 2799173
• Fire Instructor I - 3025398
• Hazardous Materials Awareness - 2541494
• Hazardous Materials Operations - 2541495
• Hazardous Materials Technician - 2618071
• HazMat Ops - Personal Protective Equipment - 2541495
• HazMat Ops - Product Control - 2541495
• Rescue Technician - 2634454
• Rescue Technician - Confined Space Rescue - 2634456
• Rescue Technician - Machinery Rescue I - 2634464
• Rescue Technician - Machinery Rescue II - 2634465
• Rescue Technician - Rope Rescue I - 2634454
• Rescue Technician - Rope Rescue II - 2634455
• Rescue Technician - Structural Collapse I - 2634458
• Rescue Technician - Structural Collapse II - 2634459
• Rescue Technician - Trench Rescue I - 2634460
• Rescue Technician - Trench Rescue II - 2634461
• Rescue Technician - Vehicle Rescue I - 2634462
• Rescue Technician - Vehicle Rescue II - 2634463