Article Contributed on: 9/17/2008 3:06:00 PM
...in more ways than one!
The Westminster Fire Department 2008 recruit class practiced extrication techniques on September 17. In addition to cutting cars in half, the six (five new hires for Westminster Fire and one for Red, White & Blue Fire) are halfway through the 13-week recruit academy.
Stadium Foreign Auto Parts is kind enough to allow firefighters to use their facility and inventory for training on techniques to safely remove crash victims from vehicles. With several major roadways and high traffic volume in Westminster, this is a critical skill to master.
Self-contained breathing apparatus, fire behavior, ropes & knots, ladders, tools & equipment, foam, fire streams, ventilation, repelling, high rise & elevators, hazardous materials, wildland fires, ambulance operations, and emergency driving are a few examples of the topics recruits learn. Recruits must also pass tests to confirm their knowledge and skills.
Westminster Fire Department will assign the five new firefighters to line-duty after the graduation ceremony on November 11.