OFPD recruits given rigorous training
in emergency fire simulations
Ten fire recruits hired to fill newly
created staff vacancies are working through an intensive training course
learning the latest in fire fighting and emergency services strategies in a
training academy program sponsored by the Orland Fire Protection District.
The new firefighters will not only
fill vacancies but also eliminate overtime burdens on the Orland Fire
Protection District’s firefighters who often have to fill positions with extra
work duties.
OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki joined
with his key training team leadership at a public demonstration of the rigorous
training new recruits receive. Leading the training for the OFPD are Lt. David
Piper, the Training & Safety Officer, and Mike Seifert and Carl Jones, both
firefighters and graduates of the district’s training academy program.
“We have been providing this intense
training now for several years,” Brucki said as the training session
began Friday at the Fire District’s Training Center at 10728 West
163rd Place in Orland Park.
“We use what we have learned and work
with the new recruits to ensure they have the same level of competency in
fighting fires and providing emergency services.”
Brucki said the district’s 10 new
firefighter trainees are evaluated in a variety of fire and emergency
simulations including fighting fires, rescue and equipment management. Every
OFPD recruit must be professionally trained both as a firefighter and as a
paramedic.
“The recruits train 8 hours every
day. Their day begins with a regimented exercise program to help eliminate
injuries caused by muscle strains & sprains, which is one of the most
frequent injuries firefighters experience,” Piper said as the recruits warmed
up Friday morning at the Pro Sports Performance gym, 10649 163rd Place in
Orland Park, located one block east of the OFPD Training Center.
Piper said the one-hour initial
exercise program at Pro Sports Performance helps the recruits prepare for the
physical stress involved in carrying and moving large equipment at emergency
scenarios
“After that, we put them through a
series of fire scenarios to build up their experience and knowledge on how to
fight fires and provide emergency services during emergency situations.”
The 10 recruits were hired on May 9
and officially entered the training academy on May 12. Their probation period
includes nine weeks of hands-on training followed by assignment to a fire
station, ending with graduation one year later on May 9, 2015.
Piper, Seifert and Jones led the
trainees through a specific exercise in which a training building was set on
fire on the first floor. Teams of trainees, led by instructors, covered each of
the key areas, connecting the hoses to the fire hydrant, scoping out the scene
to identify any civilians in the building, and coordinating the response to the
fire and smoke. One team approached to extinguish the fire, a second team
climbed to the building’s roof to perform ventilation, while another scaled the
building via ground ladders from the front to “rescue” several “victims.”
“I think they did very well. I think
they are going to make great additions to the OFPD district,” Piper said after
the exercise. “The goal is to make sure they are well trained professionals,
fire fighters and paramedics, and are prepared to respond and service the
community and the OFPD. Our number one goal is service to the community.”
OFPD Board of Trustees President Jim
Hickey praised the district’s training program noting that not only does it save
the district funds, but also has been recognized as one of the country’s best
training programs.
“We have the finest firefighters in
the country and much of that comes from the training that they receive from
experienced and qualified professionals,” Hickey said.
“Residents of our district feel very
secure and confident that the Fire District can respond to
any emergency situation and circumstance quickly and successfully. That’s
a confidence that reflects that tremendous effort that our firefighters make to
respond to the community’s emergency and paramedic needs."
Afterwards, trainees Jason Postma and
Martin Majda spoke with reporters who were allowed to observe and record the
training session.
“We’re learning from a great group,
an experienced group. Their knowledge and experience is vast. The dedication to
the community plays into this. We are here to serve the residents,” trainee
Majda said.
“The Orland Fire Protection District
is the best fire department in the country and everyone in fire service wants
to work here. This is the top of the line for this profession.”
Postma added, “The training we
received has a huge focus on the fundamentals of firefighting and on service to
the community. The Orland Fire Protection District has the highest level of
dedication to professionalism and the deepest unwavering commitment to the
community it serves.”
The 10 trainees include: Brian
Paliga, James Logan, Jason Postma, Justin Dublin, Kory Tuburan, Mark Hogan,
Martin Majda, Matt Giermala, Matthew Hoover, and Steven Prohaska.
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