WMFD Training

Preparedness a key to success in the world of firefighting

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Training never stops at the WMFD. Just a couple of weeks ago the department took advantage of the warm weather to practice high angle rescue and “get some rope time in” as _re_ghters rappelled from their own extended ladders over 50ft off the ground.

Fire Lieutenants who have completed a sixmonth orientation process can become an acting Captain after completing a series of scenarios on the day of their final “checkoff”.

See TRAINING, page A3

A West Memphis firefighter gets in some “rope time” 50ft above ground TRAINING

From page A1

They do this to ensure they’re ready to lead a crew while responding to car accident, hazardous materials, and fire calls.

This week, with a generous vehicle donation from Clark Towing & Auto Recovery, Lt. Logan R. and crews from A-shift (Battalion 12, Rescue 1, and Engine Company 3) completed an auto extrication using the “jaws of life” and completed a training scenario as a part of his “checkoff” which according to the WMFD he “passed with flying colors” to become an acting Captain.

Fire fighters using the “jaws of life” to completely take the roof off of a vehicle

Photos courtesy of WMFD.