Kansas Local Holds Successful First Fire Ops

October 15, 2007 – As fire fighters build strategic working relationships with their local decision makers and media representatives, it’s important to help them understand how difficult and dangerous it is to be a fire fighter. In Lawrence, Kansas, Local 1596 held its first Fire Ops 101 program for city commissioners and community leaders.

“I think everyone who participated left with a broader understanding of what we do,” says Kathy Elkins, president of Local 1596.

City commissioners, the city manager, assistant city manager, local leaders and members of the media attended the September 29 event.

The participants experienced live fire, search and rescue, vehicle extrication and EMS.

“EMS is particularly important to us,” says Elkins. “We get lots of questions about why fire fighters need to respond to medical calls. After the participants experienced what it is like to attend to a heart attack victim and all that is involved, I think the ‘why of it’ became clearer for them.”