Firefighter/Paramedics Perzyna, Ward, and Curran completed the Engine Company Operations course at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute in Champaign.
This is a 28 hour course, over 3 days, with a 4 hour online component to be completed prior to the start of class. The class offers Firefighters and Officers an opportunity to either sharpen their current skills or learn new and efficient skills for the all-important task of getting water on the fire.
Students practice efficient hose loads and finishes for securing a water supply, whether rural or urban. Advancing lines through a variety of objectives including stairways, ladders, ground level and basement deployment, these are skills vital to the engine company. Students pull and deploy charged and uncharged hose lines in a variety of situations, both interior and exterior. Proper hose and nozzle selection for the size and type of fire are discussed. The engine company responsibilities with regard to rescue and other tactical priorities are presented and practiced.