Day #1 Rotations - Ladder Company Operations: 

·         Conventional Forcible Entry:  (Instructors: Andrew Brassard, Nate DeMarse & Paul Knaggs) Utilizing Andrew Brassard's new forcible entry prop from Firehouse Innovations, Corp., all members were able to perform conventional forcible entry on at least one inward and one outward swinging door using a flat-head axe and halligan tool.

·         Vent, Enter & Search:  (Instructors: Kevin LeGacy & Steve O'Berg) All members were able to perform a VES rescue with a partner emphysising low-manpower.  By utilizing a prop built by the instructors, members were able to simulate breaking glass and clearing the window.  Members entered a zero-visibility environment and performed a search under simulated smoke conditions.  Although a relatively foreign concept to many of the members in attendance, it was well received and everyone did a great job.

·         Conventional Search Techniques:  (Instructors Lou Amoroso & Gary Rauch) All members performed an interior search of two to three rooms in zero-visibility and under simulated smoke conditions.  Special emphysis was placed on communication, correct search techniques and orientation. 

·         Power Saw Forcible Entry & Hinged Side of the Door:  All members performed several cuts with a power saw to simulate removing a window bar from a building.  Saw safety and appropriate steps to attack metal roll-down gates were also discussed and shown.  Additionally, all members forced a simulated outward swinging door utilizing our "Hinged-Side of the Door Prop".

·         Flat Roof Operations: (Instructors Erich Roden & Curt DeMarse)  Utilizing a prop, all members were shown size-up tips and techniques to operate on a flat roof, over a fire.  Special emphysis was placed on saw safety, locating a fire, inspection holes and the appropriate steps to performing a roof cut.  Each member was able to cut a 3x5 ventilation opening.

·         Through-the-Lock Forcible Entry: (Instructor Dave Wiechen) Utilizing our extensive lock and lock-board collection, members were able to manipulate and observe nearly every type rim, mortise or padlock lock on the market.  Additionally, all members were able to pull a lock cylinder with both a "K"-Tool and a "Rex-Tool" utilizing our "Cylinder Pulling Prop".

 

Day #2 Rotations - Engine Company Operations 

·         Nozzle & Backup Firefighter Tips & Techniques: (Instructors Curt DeMarse & Nate DeMarse) Utilizing a 2 1/2" hose line and stressing low-manpower, all members were shown techniques and procedures for effectively using a 2 1/2" as an attack line.  Special emphysis was placed on a cautious methodical advance, nozzle position, listening to the stream, stream placement and hose line movement with the nozzle open were discussed, shown and practiced.  All members were able to move a 2 1/2" hose line using appropriate techniques to attack a simulated fire.  Once again, utilizing a 2 1/2" as an attack line is a relatively foreign concept to most of the members in attendance, but all students were able to perform this task effectively and efficiently after instruction.

·         Advancing the Initial Attack Line: (Instructors Lou Amoroso & Dave Wiechen) All members advanced an 1 3/4" attack line, while flowing water through several rooms without shutting down.  Members also advanced up stairways, around corners and through various room layouts and configurations.  Special emphysis was placed on the nozzle & backup firefighters working together to get to the seat of the fire safe, smooth and efficient.

·         Stretching the Attack Line: (Instructors Dave Collado, & Kevin Grebinar) All members stretched hose lines off of a static/dead load bed.  This rotation provided other options to departments that may only stretch from preconnected hose beds.  Topics included: Stretching up several flights of stairs; utilizing horse-shoes and hose folds efficiently; stretching up well-holes and rope/bottle stretches.  Special emphysis was also spent on tips, techniques and benefits for setting up a dead/static load on any engine company.

·         Estimating the Attack Line & Engine Company Officer Responsibilities: (Instructor Erich Roden & Steve O'Berg) All members were shown the appropriate steps to efficiently and methodically estimate the correct amount of hose to reach an objective (fire floor).  Special emphysis was placed upon arriving at the fire floor or fire area with at least 50' of hose and correctly chocking doors that the hose line passes through.  Additionally, the responsibilities of an Engine Officer were discussed.  Students were also shown the "Modified Minuteman" hose load which allows one or two firefighters the ability to efficiently stretch 200' of preconnected hose.

·         Private Dwelling Fires: (Instructors Kevin LeGacy & Gary Rauch) All members advanced an 1 3/4" hose line to various areas of the drill building to attack simulated fires.  Special emphysis was placed on appropriate nozzle, backup and supporting firefighter techniques and tips.  Once again, a cautious, smooth advance to the seat of the fire was stressed while making the advance with the line open and flowing water.