By Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — A fire department member won a training package while attending the annual Firehouse Expo in Baltimore last month.
"For the past several years, we have sent a few members to Baltimore for the expo," said Florence Township Fire Department Chief Keith Scully.
All members that have gone the past several years have enjoyed the training they received, he said.
Past Chief Albert J. Jacoby, Firefighter Paul Wright, Firefighter Adam Schoen and Firefighter Justin Riley attended the expo this year.
"I’ve been attending the Firehouse Expo for several years," said Past Chief Jacoby. "I look forward to these ‘retreats’ to learn, recharge my batteries and investigate new products, equipment and apparatus."
The Firehouse Expo was held July 15-19 in Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center.
"The department paid for the training out of the line item for training (in the budget) for the department," he said, adding that it was approximately $3,000-$4,000 for all of them to attend.
While attending the expo, the members had the opportunity to attend the Live Fire Engine Company hands-on training.
"This year we attended hands-on training and practiced engine company operations in single family dwellings with a limited crew, searching techniques utilizing a thermal imaging camera, automobile fires, and flashover simulations," Past Chief Jacoby said. "Not only do attendees learn skills and techniques from the instructors, but we also learn from the other participants who are often from other parts of the country. Often sharing fire ground skills and learning about fire departments in other regions — sometimes realizing how good we have it and sometime realizing that we can improve on some things."
He noted firefighters from Burlington Township, Chesterfield, Pemberton and Westampton joined them at the training.
They also attended classroom sessions about flow path management, tactical ventilation, 30 ways to be jump seat ready and investigating the smell of smoke.
During attendance at the expo, one member won a training package from Digital Combustion worth $945, which allows the firefighters and officers to practice decision-making skills in a virtual environment.
"The training package that was won is a program that we can use to preplan buildings, set tactical operations if there is ever a need to attack a fire and can be used as a teaching tool for new and upcoming officers and firefighters within the department," he said. "The program will not be a catch all but will give us a good idea on how to fight a fire or prepare for an emergency incident at buildings."
The package includes software that allows images to be taken of the buildings in their response area, which can be downloaded, and automated graphics of smoke, fire, and explosions.
Chief Scully said they could "even do scenarios on residential houses if permission is granted to take a picture from the outside."
He reminded residents and business owners to "practice fire safety all the time in all aspects."
"If they need more information on any type fire safety to please contact the fire department and ask for Fire Marshal Brian Richardson," he said.
