divPublished in the PURCELLVILLE GAZETTE September 12 2015 EditionnbspdivdivBy Bill EgglestondivdivbrdivdivSchool already Where did the summer go The August count of calls run was 59. Not an especially busy month for volunteer firefighting which is very good. However it was a busy training month. We had three members complete the State Emergency Vehicle Operators class which certifies them as safe to drive our apparatus. This equipment can weigh as much as 80000 lbs so it is a difficult and important skill to master. Another three members completed the four-week Hazardous Materials Operations course which is a foundational skill for all of firefighting. It teaches safety and incident management whenever there is risk from such hazardous materials as chemicals fertilizers radioactive material flammable and combustible items low-level nuclear waste fuels and explosives.divpAlso in August several from our company completed an always timely and relevant rural water supply course. A large part of our area of responsibility our first due is not served by water hydrants which makes fire suppression an even greater challenge. Rural water supply relates to moving water into non-hydranted areas after first choosing a fill site like a stream pond or other source setting up hard suctionstrainers and then operating a dump site close to the fire ground. These are skills and training that we must constantly practice and remain proficient. Too many of our rural neighbors count on this protection to do otherwise.ppWe also had members participate in elevator and escalator training at the Metro training facility at New Carrollton MD. They learned about various types of elevators and escalators and then about train cars and tunnel egress procedures. There were simulated entrapments how to handle emergency power-off overrides and other critical skills. There are elevators in our first due area but no escalators yet. However the Loudoun County Combined Fire Rescue System is being proactive and preparing for Metro coming out to Loudoun. When that happens we will be ready for emergencies on trains and at stations.ppThere was other training of course but now Im going to kick off a recurring vignette to spotlight some of our members. I hope it will give the reader a sense of the people who unselfishly volunteer their time working to protect us all. The first member is an accomplished cyclist who cut an impressive path through firefighter qualification and training. His name is John Carney and he and his wife have lived in Purcellville since 2003.ppHis love of cycling is what first brought him here. After biking from Sterling on the WampOD trail he stopped at the Purcellville Train Station to take in and admire our small town ambiance and decided on the spot that he needed to live here. Within six months he moved and hasnt looked back since. He doesnt look back in other areas either. Just this summer for example he rode in the Firefighter 50 near Westminster MD and before that in the Police Unity Tour from New Jersey to D.C. These fundraisers highlight his love of bicycling and service to others.ppBecoming a firefighter was full speed ahead as well. He joined PVFC in August of 2012 after first attending an open house like our upcoming one on October 4. After a thorough physical CPR HazMat and meeting other pre-requisites he entered the county five-month fire school graduating in January 2014. Next was another five months training to become an EMT graduating in March of 2015. He also took Emergency Vehicle Operator training this summer which he is still finising.ppAlthough applicants dont pay for any of this training why did he do it Is it because he can take a 12 hour shift once every six nights with Captain Scott Maple and the rest of Crew 6 Or because he can also take one 12 hour shift per month with the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad No he says he does it for all the positive energy he gets the opportunity to meet new friends and the rewards that come from being involved in a great community like Purcellville. All in all he usually volunteers around 60 hours a month which is a great deal for local residents and taxpayers. Pretty amazing.ppFor those who want to meet John and other members and perhaps find out how to become a firefighter the next open house is October 4th from 11am to 3pm. Everyone is invited to come see our firefighting apparatus take a tour of ambulances police cars and specialty equipment plus enjoy kids activities demonstrations food and refreshments.ppOur new tower cab from Piece Manufacturing continues to progress. The torque box and body were mounted on the chassis and installation of wiring plumbing shelving trim and other components is well underway. Were anxiously looking forward to delivery this fallnbspp
August Was a Busy Training Month
