On Saturday, September 8, 2007, the Hamilton County, IN Local 4416 hosted its first Fire Ops 101 program for 12 elected and appointed officials from area cities, towns, and township government. In addition, other invited guests participated in this inaugural program.

The full-day program required nearly 40 members of Local 4416 to outfit each participant, staff scenarios and make this educational experience a success. Participants wore nearly 70 pounds of fire gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, in an effort to truly experience what fire fighters and paramedics execute each day to keep our communities safe.

Four groups, led by wranglers, rotated through four scenarios that included a live fire flashover, automobile extrication using hand tools and hydraulic tools, car fire extinguishment and a cardiac arrest with advanced life support response. Participants were both noticeably exhilarated and physically drained by the end of the program. However, all of the participants stated that the experience gave them a new perspective and appreciation for the knowledge, skill and physical demands that Local 4416 members perform each day they report to duty.

“Fire Ops 101 certainly was a tremendous benefit for this local in that the elected and appointed officials who participated received a first-hand education on what our members train for and do each day to keep their communities safe,” says Local 4416 President Tony Murray. “Based on the participants’ response, I certainly feel that their experience in this program will give them greater knowledge on the important work our members do when they are asked to make hard decisions on funding for staffing and resources for our fire departments,” Murray added.

The bottom line message for the program: fire fighting is a dangerous, labor-intensive profession in which time is the single most critical factor. If departments do not have enough fire fighters, properly trained and equipped, on scene quickly, people die. Local 4416 officials hope to make the Fire Ops 101 program an annual event in Hamilton County.