Tuesday July 4, 2023

Last week BRFD hosted the areas first Jr Fire Camp. The camp that ran Monday June 26th - Friday June 30th from 830am - 330pm graduated 24 young boys and girls aged 9-14 last week.

Every morning started off with breakfast then "line up", which was ran academy style followed by PT. After PT students got their first glimpse into fire & rescue with an age-based obstacle course. The course, which consisted of a hose bundle carry, tool carry, dummy drag, rope hoist & a hose line advancement and flow water knocking over a cone to end their time. This event was run 3 times throughout the week, and by Friday all students had beaten their times from Monday.

The students got the feel for numerous different fire, rescue & EMS situations while doing H.O.T. "hands-on-training". They performed hose line advancement & flowing water using a fog nozzle and a smooth bore nozzle while demonstrating the "T, Z & O" patterns. Forced entry of outward swinging doors, learned about hand tools used every day in our profession. They watched a "house fire" simulation while learning fire dynamics. They also were given a vehicle extrication demonstration discussing the HURST tools, we use to extricate patients from vehicles. All students were given hands only CPR course as well as stop the bleed with assistance from Allegany DES.

The students had more H.O.T. during a field trip to Rocky Gap State Park and learned the process of saving drowning victims in a surface water crash course. Students were given throw bags and attempted to rescue members or Allegany Special Ops swift water teams. The students had visits from MSPAC Trooper 5, who discussed their missions they respond on, and the capabilities of their aircraft. Students were able to turn the aircraft and learned the steps they need to take to be MSPAC Flight trooper/medics or pilots. They were later in the week visited by MDSFM/Bomb Technician Ernst from MSFM. He demonstrated the use of bomb disposal items as well as his bomb suit which he allowed the students to try on.

The week was capped off with a family picnic / graduation with all 24 students, their families & the instructors that made the week possible.

We cannot say enough about the effort put forth by every student last week, most were sad to go and see the week end. Congratulations to all students who successfully "graduated" BRFD FF Camp Class 1.

For the full photo album of almost 500 pictures follow the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.653056773531326&type=3

Class 1 Obstacle Course Winners
9 year olds - Kash M.
10 year olds - Madi W.
11 year olds - Conway S.
12 year olds - Mac S.
13 & 14 year olds - Taylor W.