Airmen Praised For Helping Fight Dix Fire

The story of two Air Force airmen who helped fight a fire that forced a Dix family from its home last Thursday night has spread far and wide on traditional and social media.

Kimball County Sheriff Harry Gillway approves.

“These guys were great and should be recognized,” Gillway told the Observer. “Heroes protecting our country and saving lives.”

Sheriff’s officials said the airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne saw the fire near Dix while on duty and alerted a neighbor who called authorities. They said airmen first class Christopher Horton and Christian Reid of the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron Alarm Response Team helped control a hydrant while a firefighter used a water hose.

The Air Force reported that the airmen also gave $40 to the victims, whose daughter Megan Morin said lost just about everything in the fire. Morin has started a Go Fund Me fundraiser online to help them recover.

“What strikes me is they (the airmen) make next to nothing from salary and gave money from their pockets to help this family,” Gillway said.

The sheriff’s office posted more praise on its Facebook page: “Hats off to our great Air Force Airmen here in Kimball County. Besides protecting our freedom and the nuclear weapons in the county they help keep us safe. These two unsung heroes need to be recognized."

Here’s an official Air Force reports on the matter:

“Who: A1C Christopher Horton and A1C Christian Reid (790 MSFS, Foxtrot Flight Area Night Alarm Response Team)

“What: While conducting Flight Area Familiarization and Patrol in Foxtrot Flight Area near Dix, NE, the team noticed a house fire. The team then made contact with a neighbor who then notified local authorities. Once on scene, the team gathered information on the family members who were still in the house (four family members and three pets).

“The team then proceeded to alert the unaware family that their house was on fire. Soon after, the homeowner evacuated with the rest of his family and pets. When one fire volunteer arrived on scene, the team aided in extinguishing the fire by controlling the fire hydrant as the fire volunteer controlled the hose.

“Upon arrival of more fire department personnel, the team then stood by and comforted the family; the team gave $40 to the homeowner to compensate for his loss and wanting to help out.

“Upon arrival of more first responders and once the scene was deemed safe, the team departed the area and returned back to their Missile Alert Facility.”

“When: Nov. 7, around 2130 

“Where:Foxtrot Flight, Dix, Nebraska near the intersection of Highway 30 and County Road 59.”

Megan Morin provided this account last Friday to support her Go Fund Me drive: “Last night around 9:30, my parents, home went up in smoke. While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, they believe it to be caused by a faulty chimney. They have pretty much lost everything. Thank God everyone is OK.

“The house has become unstable and is now considered unlivable after extensive damage to the roof and structural integrity of the house. Between the fire, water and smoke damage we are unsure if anything is salvageable. We are looking to fundraise to help offset costs of having to move and replace everything. If you can’t donate, please just consider praying for them. Thank you."