By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“In-cred-ible!” exclaimed Abby Wilder, a member of Decatur City Council, as she described her participation in the recent Fire Ops 101 program, which offers participants a hands-on experience in the life of a firefighter.
The five fire departments in Adams County – Decatur, Berne, Preble, Monroe and Geneva – joined Portland’s Local 5356 Firefighters Union in offering the program, boosted by funds from the Adams Health Network, at Portland on June 28.
Wilder and Decatur’s community coordinator Jamie Gephart, were among five participants in the workshop held under controlled supervision.
Geneva town Clerk-Treasurer Tina Booth and Geneva councilman Len Burry, along with Thunderbird Products employee John Workinger – who won his spot in a fundraiser in which Thunderbird participated – also were part of the group.
As Wilder pointed out, the quintet a) performed CPR in a moving ambulance; b) performed an auto extraction; c) experienced a search and rescue: and d) experienced a live fire.
“I’ve said it a million times, I know, but I don’t know any other word but ‘incredible’ to describe it,” she told council and Mayor Dan Rickord at council’s meeting held Tuesday.
Wilder and Gephart were two officials asked by Decatur Fire Chief Jeff Sheets to participate. “If Jeff asks you next year, please do it,” Wilder told the city officials. “You will be amazed.”
She described much of what she and the others went through in the day-long program. At one point, Abby described entering a building wearing protective gear; a live fire was inside. While the goal was to last until the fire brought heat up to 800 degrees, she had to give up at 500 degrees!
Wilder also talked about the cost involved – about $13,000 to equip a firefighter – and the cancer risk firefighters are exposed to due to elements in their protective gear.
“I have so much respect for the people who do this, the utmost respect,” she said.
Wilder also noted the numerous firefighters from the Adams County departments who assisted the Fire Ops 101: “It was a Saturday. Everyone there that day volunteered their time – just another Saturday away from family and friends.”
Decatur Fire Marshal Tony Lothridge said organizing the event was stressful, “but so far I have heard nothing negative (about the event); everyone has been pleased.”
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