By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The fire departments of Adams County, in partnership with Portland’s Local 5356 Firefighters Union, has announced that they will host Fire Ops 101 on June 27-28.
To be held at the Monroe Fire Department and Portland’s training grounds, the event will offer community leaders, elected officials and media representatives a first-hand look at what it takes to be a firefighter, the announcement said.
Fire Ops 101 is an immersive experience that allows participants to suit up in full gear and take part in simulated fire and rescue scenarios. These include, the announcement said, entering smoke-filed structures, extinguishing fires, performing vehicle extrications, and responding to medical emergencies under the guidance of seasoned fire and EMS professionals.
“This is a rare opportunity for our community leaders to experience the intense physical and mental demands our firefighters face every day,” said Tony Lothridge, the Decatur Fire Department’s fire marshal. “Understanding these challenges helps build stronger support for public safety initiatives and the crucial resources needed to protect our citizens.”
Participants will, according to the news release, gain insight into:
* The complexity and danger of firefighter and emergency response.
* The importance of proper staffing, training and equipment.
* The physical demands and occupational hazards firefighters face daily.
The Adams County fire departments will host a Fire Ops 101 Meet & Greet at the Monroe Fire Department, (233 Tower Drive, Monroe, IN 46772) starting at 6 p.m. this Friday, June 27.
The next day, at 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fire Ops 101 hands-on firefighting experience will be held in Portland, behind Moser Engineering (102 Performance Dr., Portland, IN 47371).
The Portland firefighters union and Adams County fire departments will serve as hosts.
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