Osan Air Base Fire Department

28/05/2026

Haetaes Make It Happen!!

14/05/2026

Continuity, the Prime Minister of Osan FD, the Mainstay…whatever you call him, if you’ve been to Osan anytime since 2012, you know MSgt Chris Haenelt.

It’s impossible to condense his impact and accomplishments in a brief post, but we’ll do our best to shout him out. Chris has spent his career developing, mentoring, and guiding countless firefighters, fire officers, and even fire chiefs while focusing on the core responsibility: making the Air Force better by making our Airmen better. Through countless exercises, emergencies, base events, and development opportunities, he’s proven time and again that he’s among the most honest and reliable professionals in our career field.

After 22 years of service to the Air Force, Chris is retiring, and while we know the wheels of the Air Force and fire service will keep turning, your absence will be felt by all you’ve served with.

Chris will head to Florida with his wife Micky and daughter Abby (and their two doggos) to begin his post-retirement life. We’ll miss you around the firehouse, but we’re happy that you’ll be able to spend some much-deserved time away from the uniform and the responsibilities that come with it.

Thank you for being a leader, mentor, steward, and a friend to us all. Godspeed, and best wishes to you and your family in retirement!

** If you have some stories or memories of your time up here with Chris, feel free to share in the comments **

14/05/2026

Continuing our “new” Firefighter Spotlight, we’d like to welcome our Deputy Fire Chief, SMSgt Matthew Hall!

Senior Hall originally hails from Seminole, Florida and brings 18 years of service and experience to the team honing his administrative and operational prowess at Laughlin AFB, Eglin AFB, JB Charleston, Soto Cano AB, and McConnell AFB.

After joining the team in February, he immediately made an impact to our program management and administrative processes with the squadron. He’s also served front and center at numerous base exercises as an incident command and EOC presence.

We’re grateful to have you and Belinda up here with us.

Welcome to the team, Deputy!

12/05/2026

Catching up on our Firefighter Spotlight series, we’d like to showcase our Assistant Chief for Health and Safety, MSgt Lee Mathews!

MSgt Mathews joined the team in January and has since been a pivotal influence in the flight and around the base. Aside from his mentorship and guidance in the firehouse, he’s been an integral presence in the Squadron and Wing Top 3 providing leadership to our members in a variety of professional organizations.

Hailing from Oakland, CA, he carries 22 years of knowledge and experience from assignments in Ramstein AB, Seymour Johnson AFB, Travis AFB, Osan AB, Gwangju AB, and Incirlik AB. While we’re already grateful for his influence and leadership, we know he’s eager to get back home to his wife, Tanesha, and 5 children.

Welcome to the team, MSgt Mathews! And thank you for already making a difference!

04/05/2026

Our friends from SAPR stopped by Osan Fire Emergency Services today to recognize International Firefighters’ Day and remind our crews to take care of themselves and each other.

As it turns out, it was also National Orange Juice Day… so naturally they came prepared. 🍊🔥

We appreciate the support, the partnership, and the extra vitamin C.

29/04/2026

Today we say goodbye to SSgt Jahryd Hopkins as he departs from Osan for his next assignment. SSgt Hopkins was a fixture in Fire Prevention where he was integral in the section earning the PACAF Outstanding Fire Prevention Program of 2025 award. He also served as a department ambassador strengthening our ties with our ROKAF counterparts.

Best wishes on your next assignment in Spangdahlem!!

05/04/2026

25/03/2026

Help us welcome A1C Martin to Osan Fire Emergency Services!

She’s excited to grow in her career and explore new opportunities while stationed here. Drop a comment to welcome her to Team Osan.

Name:
A1C Martin

Hometown:
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Why did you want to become a firefighter?
To better myself and help others.

What are you most excited about at Osan?
Learning my job and taking advantage of travel opportunities.

Dog or Cat?
Cats, 1000%

Pineapple on pizza… yes or nah?
Nah

One random fun fact:
I’ve seen Greta Van Fleet 25 times in concert.

25/03/2026

Probie is LIVE in South Korea! Firefighters from Kunsan, Daegu, Humphrey’s and Osan are here to earn their Incident Safety Officer certification.

19/02/2026

Help us welcome Amn Wolfe to Osan Fire Emergency Services!

Originally from Huntington Beach, California, he’s excited to experience Korea and be part of Team Osan. Drop a comment to welcome him to the team.

Name:
Keith Wolfe, Amn

Hometown:
Huntington Beach, CA

Why did you want to become a firefighter?
It was a childhood dream of mine, and I wanted to challenge myself.

What are you most excited about at Osan?
Exploring a new country and culture and meeting new people.

Dog or Cat?
Cats

Pineapple on pizza… yes or no?
Nope, pineapple does not belong on pizza

One random fun fact:
I once passed out while skydiving.