ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Editor’s note: The Team AEDC Frontlines series is a recurring feature that puts the spotlight on some of the members of Team AEDC on the “frontlines” supporting our mission, people and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Sam Teat is a firefighter with Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services. Teat, who has been at Arnold for 10 years, is responsible for driving the department’s rescue response, setting up all necessary rescue equipment should there be a victim in need. Along with fighting fires, Teat also performs vehicle extrication and provides medical care as an EMT. He also runs two departmental programs, ordering and testing the hoses used by Arnold firefighters and serves as a Peer Fitness Trainer.
Teat is among the members of Team AEDC who have continued to work on base throughout the Operationally Urgent posture and the Return to Full Capacity Phase 1 and 2 put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional responsibilities for Teat and other firefighters since the onset of the pandemic include the cleaning of the fire station multiple times each day, taking the temperatures of other crew members while getting their own temperatures checked twice daily, wearing a protective mask to protect themselves and others from potential COVID-19 exposure, taking extra precautions when responding to calls on- and off-base which includes social distancing. Teat said he is also making an effort to keep himself in good shape physically and mentally.
“I feel that we provide a valuable service to the base and the outside communities. People know that if we are at work, they have the peace of mind to do their work confidently because we have got their backs whenever they need us. For the ones not at work currently, I am sure they feel better that we are here protecting the property that they rely on for their jobs which provide income for their families.”
Sam, thank you for all you do for Team AEDC!