The brief and critique. Before every live fire training evolution there is a safety brief. Everyone needs to know what the training objectives are, what the scenario is, what is simulated, and what is real. After the evolution we pick it apart. What went well? What could have been done better? What problems did we encounter and how did we overcome them. Then we pack up and do it again. And again. And again.
Firefighters are often called upon to enter burning buildings to save lives and property. However, sometimes the situation can become dangerous, and firefighters need to exit the building quickly. This is where bailout training comes in handy. In this training, we learn how to safely exit a building using a variety of techniques.
The brief and critique. Before every live fire training evolution there is a safety brief. Everyone needs to know what the training objectives are, what the scenario is, what is simulated, and what is real. After the evolution we pick it apart. What went well? What could have been done better? What problems did we encounter and how did we overcome them. Then we pack up and do it again. And again. And again.
We now have a U.S Flag retirement box posted directly outside our Center District headquarters. All are welcome to bring flags no longer fit for display and place them into this box. A ceremony to honorably retire these flags will be held at our headquarters located on 366 Elm Street, Saturday, December 9, 10AM.
Spotlight On: Charles “Chuck” Durant began his firefighting career as a volunteer member of North End Hose Company #3 on April 18, 1981. He was later hired by the career department on September 19, 1984. His mechanical expertise was put to good use by the department. You could aways find Chuck under an apparatus helping out the Superintendent. He was also instrumental in the refurbishment of our 1935 Mack. Upon his retirement on July 9, 2004, Chuck moved to Florida with his wife Jackie and went to work for Pierce, once again using his knowledge of fire apparatus. In 2010, Chuck became Fire Commissioner in Bradenton, Florida.
DID YOU KNOW: Traditionally, our ambulances have been called rescues. Why? Originally, because they carried rescue equipment such as extrication tools, and life safety nets amongst other essential tools. We started with a bread truck purchased by the department, and gradually, our rescues evolved into emergency medical response units when the paramedic program was first introduced to West Haven. That bread truck paved the way for what are now two rescues in the Center District, Rescue 27 and Rescue 51.
IN REMEMBERANCE: George Batchelder was one of 7 men hired in 1950 by Chief Johnson to create a third shift. The department then went to a 56-hour work week. The men would work three days followed by two days off and then three nights. In 1964 George was moved off the line to Day Personnel and assisted the Supt. Of Alarms until his retirement in 1968. He died on January 25, 1976.
George’s son-in-law, Tony Esposito would join the department on May 24, 1957, retiring in 1984 at the rank of Lieutenant. George’s Great-grandson, Jason Stacoffe, was a WHFD Volunteer and is currently a member of the Milford Fire Department.
#ThrowbackThursday In 1911, the West Haven Fire Department purchased four pieces of motorized apparatus from the Knox Automobile Company of Springfield MA. Three of these were Chemical Combination Engines but the fourth was a three-wheel tractor that was used to pull West Haven Hook & Ladder’s ladder wagon. Pictured here is Chief Charles Cameron (on right) pulling out of the second Avenue Station, and a nice shot of the apparatus from the side.
DID YOU KNOW? If you’ve been out and about in West Haven, chances are you’ve seen our Truck 22 and maybe you’ve wondered, well what exactly does it do? Well, here are some of its functions:
Elevated master stream: Our tower ladder can be used to deliver water to the upper floors of a building, where it may be difficult for firefighters to reach with ground-based equipment.
Stable platform for victim removal: Truck 22 can provide a stable platform for firefighters to remove victims from high places, such as rooftops or upper floors of buildings, without having to descend the ladder.
Ventilation: Truck 22 can be used to ventilate a building by creating openings in the roof or walls, allowing smoke and heat to escape.
Equipment transportation: We’ll use Truck 22 to transport equipment and personnel to high places, such as rooftops or upper floors of buildings, where they may be needed.
Technical rescue: We can use Truck 22 in technical rescue operations, such as rope or other specialty rescues.
So, the next time you see Truck 22 out on the streets or in front of quarters, remember it’s not just a big, long fire truck, it’s a multi-faceted tool that serves several different life saving purposes.
Captain Roy Sebas instructs our EVOC course which is designed to enhance emergency vehicle safety operations by emphasizing theory and principles of proper driving in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Just as essential as caring for those in need at emergency calls is making sure we arrive to these calls safely in the first place.
