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| Home » Fire Ops 101 News |
| City Leaders
Get Firsthand Look At Firefighting |
May 24, 2007
- CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. --
Firefighters put their lives on
the line to keep you safe every
day, but all too often departments
are underfunded and understaffed.
Thursday, city leaders from
Johnstown and Altoona got a new
appreciation for the dangerous
job.
"This was an unbelievable
experience seeing what our first
defenders see on the front line in
Johnstown," said Johnstown
Councilwoman Ann Wilson. "It was a
real eye-opening experience."
That was a feeling shared by most
people at the first Fire Ops 101.
The program is the only one like
it in the state where city and
state leaders and media
personalities gather to see
firsthand just how hard and
dangerous the job really is.
From fighting fires on your hands
and knees in 800-degree heat, to
climbing shaky engine ladders 20
feet in the air, the experience
was nerve-racking for many
involved.
"Just the reaction you saw when
people would come out of the
building, I think the point was
driven home," said Johnstown
firefighter Ray Penatzer.
It was a point organizers hoped to
get across to those who control
their equipment and manpower
dollars.
"I have to tell you I'm
impressed," said Sen. John
Wozniak. "This was really hard
work."
"This is something I think
everyone who's running for office
should do," said Wilson. "They
should really come and take a look
at the things they are facing. It
will really affect how funds and
budgets should be allocated when
you've walked the walk."
Several other fire departments
were also at the event Thursday to
observe. They, too, hope to bring
the Fire Ops 101 program to their
towns.
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