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WEEK TEN
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Recruits felt the heat in Week 10, as they
spent two days with the
Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. On Monday recruits were
in the classroom learning about the different types of fires and
how to extinguish them. Much of the day was tailored to the
specific, and difficult, situation of fighting fires in a
correctional facility.
Tuesday the recruits suited up and went through their field
training.
The day began with equipment check and proper usage of the Scott
Air pack. Each recruit was given a mask and personal breathing
apparatus to don for many of the day's exercises. The recruit
class was divided into three groups and rotated through three
highly active scenarios.
The first exercise took place in a six story cement smoke
tower. Recruits entered the smoke-filled building and had to
search and rescue a dummy. They then learned how to properly
handle a fire hose and experienced the difficulty of moving it
up and down three flights of stairs.
Another exercise dealt with live fires and had recruits actually
put them out with three different types of fire extinguishers.
Small fires created with hay were put out by water
extinguishers, whereas chemical fires in a large metal tank were
put out by chemical extinguishers.
Recruits were able to see real live examples of the different
classes of fires that they may encounter on the job.
The most intimidating exercise of the day was the maze. The maze
is two levels high and recruits must navigate it on their hands
and knees and in total darkness. The structure is enclosed in a
small room and simulates the lack of sight often encountered in
a real fire situation.
The maze required recruits to utilize their sense of touch and
memory to feel their way through the darkness. It took courage
and patience to finish the maze and our recruits handled
themselves exceptionally well.
The entire day was an important learning experience and the
Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors gave our recruits
invaluable skills that they will take with them into their jobs
and communities.
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