Anchorage Hosts First Fire Ops

November 3, 2009 – Anchorage, AK Local 1264 hosted 21 community leaders, including state senate and house members, local assemblymen, business owners and the media at its first Fire Ops 101 on October 23.

IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh, who was there for the event, says, ““The attendees were able to experience, for the first time, what its like to respond to a car accident, heart attack, live burn and a search and rescue.”

“The best part about Fire Ops is that the tasks speak for themselves,” says Local 1264 President Tom Wescott. “I believe everyone left understanding that everything we do is time critical, highly technical and staffing intensive.”

On his blog, Alaska Representative Bob Lynn (R) wrote, “The Anchorage Fire Department is one of the best fire departments in the nation. I’m ready to join. But I admit. I couldn’t keep up. No way. No how.”

One assemblyman said that he came to the event believing he had a good understanding of the fire fighting profession. After the event, he realized there was a lot he didn’t know.

All resources were provided by Local 1264 with some assistance from three Fairbanks Local 1324 fire fighters.