The Department Kicks off 2013 to become more Combat Ready

 
By Glen Moore Fire Company
January 13, 2013
 

On Saturday while our Communities enjoyed the higher temperatures and spring like conditions outside, 40 members of the Department spent time inside studying to be more "Combat Ready". This training was Delivered by Chief Ricky Riley from the Clearwater, FL Fire and Rescue Department and Chief Tony Kelleher of the Kentland, MD Fire Department and DCFD Fire Department. Traditions Training has developed into a progressive leader in the training and development of Firefighters and Officers.

Firefighting is a difficult profession where we all count on each other to be ready when the moment comes. Firefighters often think that they are "ready". The scenarios discussed in this presentation focused on the instructor's personal experiences at several near-miss fireground incidents and will show how the presence of a "combat ready" mindset can positively influence the outcome.

Specific topics covered included:

Personal attitude, being a Buider not a Destroyer.
Setup, layout, and use of PPE
Being "in position"
"Combat Ready" Skills & Setup for Tactical Operations
Effective engine company & hoseline setup
Truck company tool selection
Setup and deployment of ground ladders
Planning and equipment for Rapid Intervention Team deployment
Pre-incident preparation for Incident Commanders

The primary purpose of the course is to motivate our firefighters and rescue workers to be prepared and also work to achieve excellence. We are a Volunteer organization and rely our our membership via home response to provide outstanding service to our citizens at a moment's notice. Our goal from an Operational Leadership perspective is to provide both Station's Crews with the tools and capabilities to excel to accomplish every mission we are called on and not to compromise safety or crew integrity.

We would like to THANK all of our members that took time out of their busy schedules to attend this worthwhile training course. We would also like to Thank the families of these men and women firefighters that have to often sacrifice as a result of training classes and emergency calls.

Special Thanks to EBFC President Leslie Edwards and Caitlin D'Amico for helping to coordinate drinks, breakfast, and lunch for the crews. Also Special Thanks to Chief Troy Weaver and Lancaster Engine 301 for providing standby coverage. They handled 2 runs during the day so members could focus on this worthwhile training class.

 
Mutual Aid: Lancaster County Engine 30-1 (Terre Hill)