Area firefighters recently completed a new recruit course.
Captain Joe Short from the Washington Township Fire Department said the course started in November and finished April 22. Firefighters met three days a week for a combination of lectures and hands-on activities. Those who completed the training received certifications in National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, NIMS 200, NIMS 700, Autism, HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, Mandatory Firefighter, Firefighter I and Firefighter II. The courses were taught by Washington Township, Hamlet and Bremen Fire Officials and Starke County EMS Director Paul Mathewson.
Some of the topics include fire service history, health and safety, fire behavior, building construction, fire extinguishers, ropes and knots, rescue, extrication, ladders, water supply, fire control, and more.
The majority of the hands-on activities were conducted at the new Washington Township Training Facility. More state firefighter training activities are expected to take place at that location. The Washington Township Firefighters and area volunteers are building the structures, which include a two-story wood training structure with various props and a semi-trailer.
Photos provided.
