Team Wright-Patt: A Model of Teamwork in Emergency Response

Published June 5, 2025
By Stacey Geiger
88ABW Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --

A rapid, coordinated response by members of the 88th Air Base Wing averted a potential tragedy on May 29 when a vehicle caught fire outside Gate 12A. Their actions highlighted their exceptional teamwork, training, and preparedness.

Front view of a heavily burned red SUV with both front doors open, showing extensive fire damage to the engine and interior. Two Security Forces members stand in the background near a grassy area and a black metal fence. — A vehicle suffers extensive fire damage near Gate 12A at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 29, 2025. The blaze consumes the front portion of the vehicle, leaving the interior charred and the exterior severely damaged. Security Forces personnel secure the scene as cleanup and investigation efforts continue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Meghan Howard)

The event unfolded when Airman 1st Class Jully Arevelo-Rivera of the 88th Security Forces Squadron, was checking IDs at Gate 12A, noticed smoke emanating from a vehicle in line. She immediately alerted Senior Airman Donelle Porch and Staff Sgt. Anne Brennan, who were also at the gate.

"I saw a little bit of smoke, and by the time [Porch and Brennan] got toward the vehicle, it was already on fire," Arevelo-Rivera stated.

Brennan added, "We then saw fluid leaking, and almost immediately, the car was in flames. As the smoke quickly thickened, Porch and I rushed to the vehicle."

Porch and Brennan discovered an elderly man struggling to exit the vehicle, which was rapidly filling with smoke. Brennan began assisting him, but quickly realized he needed more help. Porch then pulled the man from the car and guided him to safety. Their swift assessment also confirmed that no other passengers were trapped.

Interior view of a severely fire-damaged vehicle showing melted and burnt front seats, charred dashboard, and burnt ceiling fabric. The photo is taken through the broken rear window, with a blurry background of people and greenery outside. — A vehicle suffers extensive fire damage near Gate 12A at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 29, 2025. The blaze consumes the front portion of the vehicle, leaving the interior charred and the exterior severely damaged. Security Forces personnel secure the scene as cleanup and investigation efforts continue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Meghan Howard)

The spirit of teamwork extended beyond Security Forces. Two other drivers in line to enter the gate, a nurse and a reserve firefighter, immediately rushed to the scene and provided crucial assistance to the rescued driver.

Within moments, the 788th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Fire and Emergency Services arrived on scene. Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Weeks quickly assessed the situation, and the team extinguished the fire using the onboard water supply from Engine 11.

Following fire suppression, the focus shifted to environmental safety. To prevent fluids from entering nearby drains, 88th Civil Engineer Environmental Management was notified.

Sativa Johnson with 88th CEG Bioenvironmental and member of the Environmental Spill Response Team, swiftly deployed oil-only absorbent pads and socks around the area as a precaution to capture any leaked petroleum products.

The 88th CEG team then completed the cleanup operation, utilizing their "Tornado" cleaner to efficiently remove debris and remnants of the burned vehicle.

A female in a black shirt and olive green pants kneels on an asphalt road near a base gate, placing white absorbent pads to contain and clean up a spill. She wears gloves and a black cap with a yellow and blue emblem. The scene includes traffic barriers, a guard post, and Security Forces personnel in the background. — Sativa Johnson, 88th Civil Engineer Group Bioenvironmental Engineering and Environmental Spill Response team member, uses oil-only absorbent pads to contain and soak up petroleum products leaking after a car fire at Gate 12A, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 29, 2025. These pads are specifically designed to absorb oil-based substances while repelling water, helping prevent environmental contamination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Meghan Howard)

While the vehicle was a total loss, the driver was safely rescued and the incident showcased the exceptional preparedness, cohesive teamwork, and coordinated actions of Security Forces, the Fire Department, and Civil Engineer teams.

This incident exemplifies the true meaning of "Team Wright-Patt," where quick thinking, comprehensive training, and collaborative efforts are paramount in safeguarding the base and its community.

Additional members from Fire and Emergency Services involved in the response were:

Assistant Fire Chief and Safety Officer Michael Roberts

Dispatch: Donald Wilson, Casey Martin

Engine 11: Captain Jason Turpin, Lieutenant Samuel Schafer, Firefighter/Paramedic Luke Rhoades, Firefighter/EMT Jarod Bodekor

Fire Investigation: Fire Inspector Thomas Trost, Fire Inspector Dustin Beckley