Kids take base security seriously

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  When three Hanscom youth noticed a potential security situation along a portion of the perimeter fence, they immediately took action to make sure it was corrected.

Christopher Douglas, 11, Ashton Laflamme, 11, and Nicholas Reid, 10, were playing outside the evening of June 13 in the Musket Meadows area of base housing when they heard a loud noise.

"We were sitting across the street when we heard a really loud cracking sound," said Douglas. "Then we all three looked over and saw a tree fall down."

The three boys raced across Langley Road to find a tree lying on top of the fence.

"We knew we needed to do something," Douglas said. "Nick said he thought we should call someone."

Once the kids made the determination to notify authorities, they ran back to Laflamme's home and told his dad.

"My dad called security forces and we went back out and waited on the street to show them where it was," Laflamme said.

Shortly after the call, several security forces members arrived and thanked the boys for their efforts. They took some photos and stood by until someone arrived to repair the fence.

"The fence was crushed," said Reid. "You don't know what could have happened. Anyone could have gotten on base. We just knew it was important to call."

Reid's mother, Nicole Williams, was proud her son and his friends made the right call.

"There are constant messages on all bases advising residents, employees and visitors to be mindful of safety compromises on the base and these kids and their actions are a perfect example of that," she said.

The security and safety of the base is not solely the responsibility of security forces, according to Tech. Sgt. Wayne Griggs, 66th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of operations. He says it's a joint effort with the community, and notifying the police is the right thing to do.

"The protection of this base is everyone's responsibility, which these kids did an outstanding job of sounding the alarm when they saw something that was not right," he said. "Their sense of urgency to notify us and keeping a watchful eye on the area shows dedication to the safety and security of the Hanscom community. The detection of the damage ensured the denial of unauthorized access to the base, keeping our workers and families safe."

Anyone who notices a security situation may call the security police desk at 781-225-5000. In the event of an emergency, Hanscom personnel and residents should call 911.