Fire department identifies their protection levels of service Published March 6, 2013 By Chief Robert Hildreth Hanscom Fire Department HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Hanscom Fire Department provides a variety of fire protection and emergency services at Hanscom and within the local community. Their primary mission is to provide structural fire protection and fire prevention assessment on all facilities within the base boundaries and assigned mission. Additionally, the department provides first responder medical support, hazardous material abatement and control, confined space rescue and aircraft emergency support to Hanscom Field. These tasks, along with others, are accomplished with a well-trained and dedicated professional work force. Last year, Hanscom fire emergency services responded to 180 structural responses, including automatic fire alarm activations, sprinkler activations and smoke odors; four vehicle incidents, including accidents and fuel leaks; 35 hazardous material responses, suspicious substance, leaks and odors; 180 medical assistance responses and two special rescues. Hanscom fire emergency services also has a mutual aid agreement with each of the four townships that surround the base. They provided emergency support to the local community fire services that included 77 mutual aid requests. Some of these responses had the firefighters operating within an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health condition. Along with the mutual aid agreements, the department has a support agreement with Massport at Hanscom Field to provide fire protection response for aircraft emergencies, structural alarms or fires and medical assistance. In 2012, they responded to 26 aircraft emergencies. An additional responsibility of the Hanscom Fire Department includes providing fire prevention assessments and training. The department conducts regular inspections of all base facilities and several government sites located in the local community as well as Rome, N.Y. The purposes of the inspections are to identify deficiencies and hazards that may present immediate danger to occupants. The fire prevention team also conducts briefing and lectures to ensure occupants are aware of precautions and safety procedures that may be considered during an emergency situation. The Hanscom firefighters stand ready to respond to any and all emergency requests. Remember to call 911 for any emergency service.