Three Connecticut Locals Hold Joint Fire Ops

October 21, 2009 – Fairfield, CT Local 1426, in conjunction with two other IAFF Connecticut affiliates – Stratford Local 998 and Westport Local 1081, conducted the second annual Fire Ops 101 program at the Fairfield Regional Fire School.

Decision-makers and members of the media from Easton, Fairfield, Stratford and Westport, including State Representatives Kim Fawcett (D) and John Harkins (R), dressed in turnout gear to get a complete understanding of the challenges fire fighters face on a daily basis.

Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association (UPFFA) of Connecticut President Pete Carozza was on hand to kick off the event.

Fire fighters then took the attendees through five evolutions: forcible entry, search and rescue, roof ventilation, EMS (CPR instruction), vehicle extrication and advancing the hose line to extinguish a fire.

“We all came away, feeling like the program was a success,” says Local 1426 President Bob Smith. “This year and last, we had participants emerge with a new attitude toward the fire service and a willingness to make smart decisions about life-saving resources.”

After the event, Representative Fawcett stated publically that she would be a lifelong advocated of the fire service.

Using the IAFF Fire Ops 101 guide, the Connecticut affiliates are planning a third joint Fire Ops for next year.