The Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Fire Department, in conjunction with the local fire departments of Kin Town, Onna Village and Ginoza Village, renewed an agreement enabling joint fire fighting capabilities, both on-base and within the local communities, during a ceremony Monday, Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. at the Camp Hansen Fire Department.
It was the first time in over 25 years that this agreement had been renewed. The agreement will allow Kin Town or MCB Camp Butler to request assistance in case of an emergency. This greatly increases the force that can respond to an emergency and will save more lives if a disaster occurs. This agreement will continue the good relations between Camp Hansen and Kin Town.
“It is important to work together in the case a natural disaster strikes us, as the camp is so close to us in the community. I am glad that the agreement is being renewed,” said Tsuyoshi Gibu, Kin Town mayor.
“The communication channel with Camp Butler fire department has been there for a fire, but the emergency response and rescue operation are now added. This will enhance cooperation at the time of a natural disaster,” said Naoyuki Igei, Chief of Kin District Fire Department Headquarters. “The agreement will give us opportunities for joint training that will lead to equipment updates and morale building. We will be able to work together on emergency response and rescue operations during natural disasters.”
A recent example of this partnership was displayed when the Marine Corps Base Fire Department provided support to the Chatan Fire Department during an off base fire in the Diawa Electrical Warehouse last October.
The Marine Corps remains committed to working with local emergency services and the community to ensure that we are good neighbors within the communities in which we live and work. Such agreements and partnerships further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance.