Security Forces and 911 decals

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. John W. Hesterman
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  COMPLAINT

As my wife and I were leaving the parking lot of Community Bank at RAF Lakenheath, we noticed a Security Forces patrol vehicle with the number "911" labeled on its rear fender. Naturally, this decal was placed on the vehicle as an admonition to call this number in case of an emergency. However, this simple three digit number is not the number to be dialed--while on base--if someone is confronted with a dire or emergency situation. In fact, a person facing an emergency would have to go through the process of dialing the base area code, followed by the prefix, followed by the 911 digits. Understanding the USAFE/Liberty Wing budget is already stretched thin for mission oriented objectives, my suggestion is for the commander of the 48 SFS to take the time and the few dollars it would cost for sticker decals, and place the correct dialing number for emergencies on the vehicles that patrol the base.

After all, we as Americans have had that three digit number engrained into our conscious awareness, and in a true emergency situation--especially if a toddler or child is making the call--dialing an area code will be the last thing on their little minds. Even if 911 can be dialed as it is from a DSN line, it cannot be dialed as a three digit number from base housing, and it is in base housing where it is most needed.

RESPONSE

Should an emergency happen on base, our personnel are instructed to dial "911" from any DSN line to get in touch with emergency responders. The decals on our Security Forces vehicles reflect this number as do stickers placed on nearly every DSN telephone throughout the base.

You are correct that those living in Lakenheath base housing cannot utilize this number. Local laws and regulations require the telephone system used in our housing areas to be tied in the local commercial UK network rather than our military DSN system. As such, residents should instead dial "999" from their home land-lines (as they should do when calling from a mobile phone). Dialing "999" from any non-DSN line will place the caller in contact with the Suffolk Constabulary who, in turn, contacts the base to initiate the appropriate emergency response. This information is briefed to all RAF Lakenheath personnel during in-processing. 

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