Name: Airman 1st Class Braedon Firkus
Unit: 812th Civil Engineer Squadron
Job title: Driver/Operator
Job description and its impact on the overall mission: Respond to any emergency in my district whether it is dealing with in-flight [emergencies], structure and medical emergencies.
Time in the military: one and a half years
Time at Edwards AFB: one year
Family: Father, mother, two older sisters and one younger brother.
Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, running and sports.
Why did you join the military? To take advantage of the education benefits and to serve my country.
Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Retired from the military, completing paramedic school and working as a firefighter/paramedic in a fire department.
What do you do for fun here? I like to get out and go golfing, go to the beaches or find a quiet spot and go camping.
What’s your favorite Air Force memory or story? Since I am new to the Air Force, I would say that my favorite memory is graduating from basic training.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? Graduating Fire Protection tech school as an honor graduate.
Who is your role model? My biggest role model is my father.
How does your job help support the test and evaluation mission here at Edwards? My job supports the mission by responding to emergencies on the flightline within a few minutes to mitigate all hazards to aircrafts, pilots and buildings to keep them operational 24/7.
What is your dream job and why? My dream job is working as an engine or rescue squad driver in a civilian fire department.
What do you like most about Edwards? I love the mission here at Edwards AFB because I get to see all different types of aircraft, and as a firefighter I get to train on them.
If you won a million dollars, what is the first thing you would buy? A 1969 Dodge Charger.
What distinguishes Airman 1st Class Firkus from his peers?
“Airman 1st Class Firkus excels while assigned to the first run rescue vehicle. Since arriving, he has soared above the challenge of responding to physically and mentally taxing emergencies. In his position, he is the subject matter expert for safety systems on Edwards aircraft; he protects facility contents and performs other specialized firefighting needs as well as field emergency medical procedures. His ‘jack-of-all-firefighting-trades’ mentality has garnered great responsibility in regards to his rank and time in service. Additionally, Braedon’s work ethic is phenomenal and he is a trusted agent in the fire station. He adamantly finds ways to grow his knowledge through extra courses, one of which is the next available Emergency Medical Technician-Basic course. Firkus has earned the respect of his peers and supervisors while continuing to shine; he sets an example for others to follow.”
– Staff Sgt. Arthur Leyva, supervisor