The temperature hovered at near 39 degrees as 150 volunteer firefighters from all over the State of Florida gathered on April 16, 2008, in the auditorium of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala to kick off Volunteer Week. When asked how many were from south of the Orlando area about 40 of them raised their hands. With a little chuckle, they were given permission to complain about the cold for just two days. All the classes that day started in the warmth of the classroom; however, by the time Vehicle Extrication, Fire Safety and Survival Techniques, and Basic Fire Ground Skills moved outside, the weather was beautiful and continued that way through the entire event.

A group from Basic Fire Ground Skills, looking over pump operations on the engine

 

Most of the instructors shared information about the tragic death of two volunteer firefighters in the Colorado wildfires last week which seemed to set the tone that safety and protection of our own was the key for the week.

Dave Casey, Superintendent at the Fire College said; “Our goal is to provide training in a safe environment and that this message is taken back to the local departments. Volunteers serve tirelessly in their communities and the 15th annual event gives us a chance to give back to them with the free training.”

An approach to a car fire.  The  “wiggly” look is radiant heat.

 

 

 

Participants in Course Delivery, Clandestine Drug Lab Awareness, and a new class dealing with Rehab Operations came from as far north as Escambia and Nassau Counties and as far south as the Florida Keys. Patrick Garvey, Asst. Chief of the Brent Fire Department in Escambia County praised the State Fire Marshal and the efforts of the Florida State Fire College. “Our department has participated in Volunteer Weeks now for a number of years and as usual, the training was great and we really appreciated the safety theme.”

Removing a victim out the front of a school bus in vehicle extrication class.

In Firefighter Survival Skills, practicing going under wirings in a wall for a safe escape

In Basic Fireground skills, a firefighter with a blacked out mask follows a hose line to safety