2021 ANNUAL REPORT

50

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Training Office (continued)

Firefighting water is provided from a two-acre pond. All water used on site for firefighting activities is supplied from this ecologically friendly pond. Fire hydrants used for training activities are supplied from the pond, and all water used for training purposes is re-circulated on the property. The pond serves as a renewable resource and is a thriving ecological part of the storm-water-management system on the site. All training fire hydrants were replaced in the spring of 2021 with an industrial type of fire hydrant that is designed for more repetitive use. The maze building is used to train firefighters to find their way about in total darkness, around and through obstructions. The primary purpose of this facility is to strengthen the firefighter’s a bility to use breathing apparatus and to build confidence when working in dark and unfamiliar surroundings. Multiple configurations with varying levels of difficulty can be obtained by opening or securing different doors. There are two hydraulic floor col lapse props incorporated into the maze that allow for realistic, safe “lean to” and “pancake” style collapses. The maze is equipped with monitoring areas for the instructors to oversee student progress and emergency egress points in the event of an emergency and is also climate controlled allowing year-round usage while staying within the environmental confines set forth.

A roof prop was built by DFRS personnel that affords personnel realistic vertical ventilation training in a low-risk environment. This prop has three different style roof pitches and personnel can use hand tools as well as powered saws when training.

Throughout 2021, the DFRS Training Section was responsible for training three recruit classes with more than 90 recruits, a Paramedic Class with 16 students and began conducting In-Service training for all of our unformed personnel which included task specific training that was brought to the stations during COVID to keep smaller groups. The Training Division was able to take advantage of a unique training opportunity with the acquisition of a vacant structure to which scenarios were developed and afforded to the entire Division in a one- week time span. The Work Performance Evaluation, an incumbent physical agility/capability test, was postponed in 2021 due to rises in COVID as well other Division conflicts. Training Staff assisted the Gear Up Program with delivery of entry level training for more than 200 volunteers. In addition to this, the Training Section provided Stop the Bleed and CPR instruction in support of Community Outreach Programs.