EDMOND —
A handful of Edmond citizens got to literally walk in a firefighter’s shoes during a special event Thursday evening at the city’s fire training site.
Residents enrolled in the Edmond Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy went through live fire training at the agency’s training facility, located near the Interstate 35 and Covell interchange and Fire Station 5.
Members of the current class are Richard Davis, Nick Garrett, George Gurley, Mary Higgs, Beau Limbocker, Justin Lowry, Philip Lowry, Regina Lowry, Jim McCauley, Tom Menasco, Mike Pickle, Steve Pierce and Robert Higgs.
The academy is a free, 12-week course in which participants are provided with a basic understanding of fire, rescue and emergency medical operations in the Edmond Fire Department, said Fire Maj. Kelly Lewis.
It is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of the department’s capabilities, as well as build relationships between the agency and the citizens it strives to protect, Lewis said.
Sample topics include fire behavior, water supplies and fire hose, fire investigations, first aid and CPR, forcible entry, extrication and ventilation, hazardous materials, search and rescue, thermal image cameras and technical rescue.
Class members have had the opportunity to participate in many hands-on activities, Lewis said. Thursday evening, they were equipped with a protective coat and pants, a helmet, gloves and boots to provide safety during activities. All activities are voluntary, but the department encourages participation, Lewis said.
A class is being planned for 2013. Classes are at the Fire Department’s training center at 5300 E. Covell Road. For more information about the Edmond Citizens Fire Academy, including eligibility requirements, call the agency’s administration office at 216-7300 or visit the city’s website edmondok.com.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
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Related Photos
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MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN Edmond firefighters take Citizens Fire Academy participants through a live fire drill Thursday night at the Fire Department’s training center at Interstate 35 and Covell.
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MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN Citizens Fire Academy members receive instruction from Edmond firefighters during Thursday’s live fire event.
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MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN A class member assaults a fire in the Edmond Fire Department’s mock multi-story structure.
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MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN Mike Pickle, a preventative maintenance employee with the City of Edmond, suits up before the Edmond Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy event Thursday night.
Discussion
Edmond citizens walk in a firefighter's shoes
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