Photo: NATO Awards Polish Firefighters for Extinguishing US Armored Carrier’s Engine Fire

Firefighters from Pisz, Poland, were honored earlier this week with certificates of appreciation from NATO Battle Group Poland after their swift response US Army Stryker’s engine fire prevented the armored infantry carrier’s total loss.

US Army Lt. Col. Andrew Gallo, commander of NATO Battle Group Poland, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marcus Brister met with senior fire department officials in Pisz to thank them for their service regarding the mechanical failure of an armored infantry carrier on January 18 outside the village of Gorzekaly, Poland.

“The local firefighters are brave, hard-working people who respond quickly when help is needed. We are excited to continue to build relationships like this one with the local community during our deployment to Poland.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col Andrew Gallo, the commander of enhanced Forward Presence NATO Battle Group Poland (right), awards a certificate of appreciation to Lt. Col. Pawel Pienkosz, local community fire chief (left), for aiding in the recovery of a Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, Pisz, Poland, Feb. 10, 2020.

Sputnik reported last month that a total of four fire brigades – WSP Bemowo Piskie, OSP Drygały, OSP Orzysz and JRG Pisz – responded to the engine fire that resulted from a mechanical failure while the vehicle was participating in the Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which is regarded as a showing of strength against Russia.

Col. Joe Scrocca, spokesman for the US Army Europe, revealed that the damage had been contained to the engine and did not spread to the rest of US Army Stryker.

The fire chief added that the “local community values the presence of the American Army very much” and said that he looks forward to working with NATO in the future.

Sourse: sputniknews.com