Local media, county officials and others were invited to get “up close and on the line” with Stafford County first responders at this week’s Fire Ops 1500.
The event, held at the department’s Training and Logistics Center on Courthouse Road, promised a “hands-on” experience of the operational training undergone by the men and women of Stafford County Fire and Rescue. The “1500” refers to the NFPA 1500, or the name of the instructional standard provided by the National Fire Protection Association. While a number of local and regional outlets were invited, hyperbole was the only media to attend the event.
The day began at 9:00 AM in a training center classroom and a review of the department’s responsibilities and capabilities across the county. A presentation was provided to explain how the county cross-trains different units to address calls as they arise, as well as the opportunities where mutual aid (assistance from other counties) might be required.
That was followed by an EMS demonstration and opportunity to get hands on with the department’s Video Laryngoscope for practice intubations and a rundown of the Lifepak monitor and defibrillator machine.
After their EMS experience, attendees next donned their own firefighter boots, gear and helmet before observing Firefighter Lutz walked the group through the physical fitness test in full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Cadets from Stafford County Public School’s Firefighting class were also on hand training. One took a moment to demonstrate the 2 minute drill, an exercise involving getting fully dressed in gear and SCBA. The department has hired 17 new recruits directly from Stafford County Public Schools.
After a department-provided lunch, the group took a trip out to see Tower Ladder 1504, a unit equipped with an extended ladder and bucket for victim and technical rescues. In addition to providing access to elevated surfaces, Tower Ladder 1504 is equipped with its own water stream to provide a stream from an elevated position on larger fires or incidents that are otherwise difficult to reach.
That $2 million unit is also used in training: recruits must ascend more than 80’ at a 60° angle.
Fire Ops 1500 finished with a trip to the burn box, hands on experience with the thermal imaging cameras and a walk-through of the recovery unit, which is present for all active fires. Crews started and managed a fire while participants were instructed in how heat and smoke progressed through an enclosed space, gaining hands on experience with the thermal imaging cameras in the process.
That fire was eventually extinguished by Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton in full gear and SCBA.
Fire Ops 1500 proceeded a number of public open houses held at Fire Stations across the county. Follow Stafford County Fire and Rescue for more public events and opportunities.
