Fire OPS 101 Challenges Local Leaders in Salt Lake City

April 21, 2009 – More than 50 elected state and local officials and some members of the media suited up in turnout gear for a day to discover for themselves how challenging fire fighting is as part of Salt Lake City, UT Local 1645’s 2nd Annual Fire OPS 101 program.

“Fire OPS 101 is our most recent edition to our comprehensive effort to educate decision-makers and the media about the dangers we face every day,” says Jack Tidrow, president of Local 1645. “As the number of participants doubled since last year, the program is clearly being well-received.”

The day began with two demonstrations and gear-fitting before the program’s attendees broke into groups to participate in a series of evolutions. Participants learned how to do tracheotomies, use the Jaws of Life, conduct a search and rescue and put out live burns.

Mayor Ralph Becker, was among the local leaders who participated. He commented to the local media that these tough economic times are necessitating that all cities make some budget cuts, but cuts made in Salt Lake City were unlikely to affect the fire service. He said ‘basic public safety’ was a priority.