Training carries area volunteer firefighter careers forward

Ronald W. Erdrich, Abilene Reporter-News
Eula firefighters Abner Hill (left) and Daniel Mendez carry Brent Speck, assistant chief for the Hawley Volunteer Fire Department, as part of an exercise Saturday.
Eula firefighters Abner Hill (left) and Daniel Mendez carry Brent Speck, assistant chief for the Hawley Volunteer Fire Department, as part of an exercise Saturday.

Though there was smoke in the air, it was nothing to worry about.

Thirty firefighters from eight volunteer fire departments finished the fifth and final day of the Midwest District Introductory Firefighter Academy on Saturday. Held every other weekend at varying locations since January, this last day of class featured hands-on instruction at the Abilene Fire Department's training facility on East Lake Road.

Rotan firefighter Vern Coop climbs 100 feet on an Abilene Fire Department ladder truck wearing his turnout gear at the department's training facility.
Rotan firefighter Vern Coop climbs 100 feet on an Abilene Fire Department ladder truck wearing his turnout gear at the department's training facility.

Occasional puffs of smoke could be seen exiting the facility's Burn House, a live fire training building made of metal, where firefighters practiced their skills. Elsewhere, Brent Speck, the assistant chief at the Hawley Fire Department, took his turn as a carrying dummy.

Nobody dropped him, but they didn't have to carry him too far, either.

"The purpose of the class is to provide them the nationally-recommended training that they should have prior to engaging in fire suppression, or live fire training," said Clay Deatherage, academy chief and lead instructor.

Adison Herd of the Tye Volunteer Fire Department looks to his lieutenant, Briley Snowden, as they prepare to climb the 100-foot ladder on an Abilene fire truck.
Adison Herd of the Tye Volunteer Fire Department looks to his lieutenant, Briley Snowden, as they prepare to climb the 100-foot ladder on an Abilene fire truck.

Other instructors include personnel from Dyess Air Force Base's fire department, as well as senior area volunteer fire department firefighters and AFD.

Upon completion, Deatherage said each participant will be qualified to not only fight fires, but also meet some of the qualifications for higher firefighter levels.

"We exceed minimums and they will leave here with about 30-40 percent of their Firefighter I objectives complete and possibly 10 percent of their Firefighter II," Deatherage said.

Parker Jones of the Hamby Volunteer Fire Department settles a carrying dummy into the arms of Merkel firefighter Kristy Carnes.
Parker Jones of the Hamby Volunteer Fire Department settles a carrying dummy into the arms of Merkel firefighter Kristy Carnes.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Training carries area volunteer firefighter careers forward

Advertisement