FIRE OPS 101 Is Big Hit in Pennsylvania

September 21, 2007 – Johnstown, PA Local 463 and Altoona, PA Local 299 successfully co-hosted a Fire Ops 101 at the Cambria County Fire Training Site in May – the first ever Fire Ops program offered in Pennsylvania.

“We now know how valuable this program is for all of our locals – big or small,” says Dave Eckman, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association. “The PPFFA has vowed to offer its affiliates any assistance needed to plan their own Fire Ops.”

For smaller locals, co-hosting the event as Locals 463 and 299 can eliminate some planning challenges..

“To say that the event was a success is an understatement,” says Art Martynuska, recording secretary for PPFFA and president of Local 463. “It wasn’t a home run, it was a grand slam. The elected officials and the media who participated were shocked at how challenging fire fighting is.”

At the training site, officials from all levels of government as well as members of the local media were suited up for three exercises: structural burn, vehicle rescue and quick response service EMS. In addition, fire fighters demonstrated the proper way to put out a flammable liquids fire. The event was covered by most area television stations, radio stations and newspapers.

“One of our city council members who participated said he couldn’t believe city council let us do this job with only 13 fire fighters,” says Tim Hileman, president of Local 299. Altoona’s 13 fire fighter minimum staffing requires a combination of three and two-person companies.

“Because of long-term budget issues in Johnstown, there is always a concern that our fire fighters or resources are going to get cut,” says Martynuska. “But this Fire Ops 101 sent our decision makers a strong message – don’t make any more cuts.” The city has been under financial distress for 15 years under Act 47, the state's law to help economically challenged municipalities.

Inspired by Locals 463 and 299’s success, other Pennsylvania affiliates are conducting their own Fire Ops 101, including: Pittsburgh Local 1 and McKeesport Local 10; Allentown Local 302 and Wilson Borough Local 1914; Bethlehem Local 735; Easton Local 713; and Lehigh-Northhampton Airport Local 2227.

In addition Philadelphia Local 22 and Williamsport Local 736 are both planning future Fire Ops events.