Training On the Basics

So today we had our monthly Departmental Fire Training and the focus topic was the bare-bones basics of our Department. A lot of our recent trainings have been on pre-plans, table-top scenerios and walk-throughs, which I think is absolutely important, but what we did today was actually a nice refresher that I think anyone in the Fire Service could use.
We started the training by having every member take the map tests we had to take as probies focusing on our township. I thought it would be a breeze, since I was the one that made the test over a year ago, but some of the newer housing developments are pretty tough to keep organized in your head. They all look fairly similar and they're filled with young families, so we're rarely there. We reviewed the tests and answers afterward and went over some other important details pertaining to maps in our area before moving on.

Next, we went over our SCBA's in detail. We practiced everything from changing bottles to cleaning masks and went over RIT connections and buddy-breathers. This was good for our new probies, Joe and CJ and a great review for the rest of us who may not have taken one of our packs apart in a little while.

Next, we took training out to the bays and had a little donning and doffing competition among crews. I'm not tryin' to brag but my crew was the fastest  with times between 1:04 and 1:12. Its also worth noting that we also happen to have the best hair in the department as a shift. Whats probably most important though, is that everyone on the department did the donning and doffing drill in well under two minutes. And props to Lt. Richards for having the fastest time at 1:00.
 This stuff is all just review and was pretty simple but lets face it, we don't see a ton of fire in my township(or in our neighboring communities for that matter). The chance of catching a burner on shift is slim. So the chance of putting on a pack, going on air and going in is even smaller. But we NEED TO BE EFFICIENT AND READY for those small kick-ass moments when a fire does come in.