Ascension : Fire Department Kabul Afghanistan International Airport
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 08.11.2007 (Article Archived on 22.11.2007)

Patrick Keith George, son of the late Mr. Eric M. George MBE and Mrs. Ivy George was born and raised on St. Helena.

Patrick Keith George, son of the late Mr. Eric M. George MBE and Mrs. Ivy George was born and raised on St. Helena. 

In 1980 Patrick embarked on a journey to South Africa where he later married and settled.  Patrick returned to St. Helena in 2000 where he assisted his father teaching music to various schools around the Island.  Patrick also held the position of Officers Steward on the RMS St. Helena before pursuing a career in fire protection.  In June 2003 a Department of Defense civilian contractor Computer Sciences Raytheon (CSR) on Ascension Island employed Patrick as a trainee fire fighter. 

Employment was on the United States Air Force Test Range Project at Ascension Auxiliary Airfield.  Patrick’s primary duties were: Structural fire fighting and rescue operations; Aircraft crash fire fighting and rescue operations; automotive extrication and rescue operations. 

Presented with the opportunity to attend the South Carolina Fire Academy in the United States, Patrick graduated thus achieved his International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certifications in Structural and Airport fire fighting.  Still today, Patrick remains grateful to CSR for providing this quality fire fighting training. 

In April 2005 Patrick was employed by PAE/ES-CO to perform services in the job classification of firefighter/operator, under a United Nations contract for Airfield Operations Support Services throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

Patrick was stationed at Kinshasa International Airport, which became the hub for all United Nations, civil and military aircraft movements.  During periods of emergency operations caused by civil unrest, the security situation in the MONUC Mission Area posed significant personal risk.  In Kinshasa and Kisangani serious rioting, looting and arson occurred affecting all personnel and their property.  In Mbandaka and Kananga, a high state of vigilance was required, but generally the situation remained under control.  Despite the personal risks that were prevalent in the period of emergency operations, Patrick performed assigned tasks effectively and efficiently.  This uninterrupted delivery of Mission Essential service to the United Nations was indispensable to support emergency airfield operations.  It also demonstrated outstanding devotion to duty that enhanced the reputation of PAE/ES-CO.

Performance, character and recommendations played a part in Patrick securing his next position.  In November 2006, NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) recruited Patrick as a Fire Protector to work on a NATO Installation at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan.  NATO ISAF primary responsibilities were; provide a qualified rescue and fire fighting service appropriate to the aerodrome, support NATO, civil and other peacekeeping agency’s airport operations, fire department reconstruction and development, training of Afghan personnel to a level of competency.  Voluntarily, outside of normal working hours, Patrick began tutoring English to Afghan Fire Fighter Candidates as preparation for oversees training.  “A few Afghans can even speak St. Helenian slag, hey pa hey”.

Mr. Hafiz ullah Bahramand (Director of Civil Aviation High Education) presented Patrick with a certificate of appreciation for his significant hard work and dedication in promoting and educating Afghanistan’s Fire Fighting personnel.  NATO also honored Patrick for his labor, by awarding him with the NATO Service Medal in relation to ISAF Operations.  

Patrick has proven more than once to be a very effective Crew Leader; he maintained a cheerful approach to his duties while ensuring his crew maintained a high state of readiness.