Happy Halloween!

October was a great month for training at the Clinton Fire Protection District! This month, our members dedicated extra time for an additional training day, showing how committed they are to providing top-notch service to our community.

10/12/24 – Hose Advancement Training

Our first training of the month was initially planned to include a burn on an acquired structure. However, due to dry conditions, we had to postpone the burn until November. Instead of canceling, we used the time to focus on hose advancement, practicing in the structure even though we couldn’t burn it.

The training, led by Lt. Trevor Utzig, Sr. FF Brian Beals, and FF/EMT Zach DuCharme, emphasized hose advancement. Crews practiced advancing a hose line into a building and flowing water effectively, rotating through three key roles in a fire attack crew:

1. Nozzleman – The first person into the building, responsible for controlling the nozzle, locating the fire, and initiating the knockdown.
2. Interior Crew Officer – Second in line, the officer ensures communication with outside teams and maintains crew integrity. Communication is vital for team cohesion, much like in a sports team.
3. Third Man – Positioned near the door, the third man’s job is to ensure the nozzleman has enough hose to advance. This member often stays by the door to “load” the structure hose, a crucial support role.

Each of these roles is essential on a fire scene, as a shortfall in any one role can strain the rest of the team. Gaining familiarity with all three roles helps our members more effectively tackle fires.

Repetition is key in the fire service. Proficiency only comes by stepping out of comfort zones. We thank our members for taking time out of their Saturday to improve and build confidence in these roles.

10/14/24 – Basics Refresher

On our regular training night, we reviewed essential skills by dividing members into two groups, each rotating through two stations.

• Station 1: FF/MPO David Bauer led a refresher on repacking the Large Diameter Hose (LDH), which provides water supply from a hydrant. Proper packing is critical for quick and efficient deployment; as Bauer put it, “the prettier it is, the better it comes off the truck.” This method ensures no couplings (connections between sections of hose) meet, preventing the hose from getting stuck in the hosebed.
• Station 2: FF/EMT Zach DuCharme trained members in pulling and repacking the Minuteman crosslay, our standard attack line and typically the first line off the truck. The Minuteman is designed to deploy smoothly by one person, flaking itself out and removing kinks. With a slight learning curve, it becomes much easier to handle once members are familiar with it. After each pull, crews practiced repacking, with Bauer’s reminder: “The prettier it looks, the better it comes off the truck.”

In the fire service, knowing how to pull and repack our hoses is essential for reliable fire attack. Repeating these basics ensures that we’re prepared for every call.

10/21/24 – EMS Skills Check

The third Monday of every month is dedicated to EMS training. During these nights, we review and practice a range of topics, including strokes, motor vehicle accidents, seizures, and Alzheimer’s care. CFPD’s goal is to provide the best EMS service in the county, and we take immense pride in our work.

This month’s training focused on skill checks, rather than a new topic. Each year, EMS personnel must demonstrate proficiency in core skills to remain active. This check-off night ensures our members are up-to-date and capable of providing the highest level of EMS care.

10/28/24 – Mock Fire Simulation

For our final training session of the month, we conducted a mock fire simulation covering the entire response process—from call-out to knockdown and overhaul. This provided a great opportunity to practice efficiency and speed in a realistic scenario. Afterward, crews returned to the acquired structure to practice hose advancement.

Thank you to all members of the Clinton Fire Protection District for their hard work this October! Your dedication to training and improvement makes a huge difference in the level of service we provide.

This week's training at CFPD focused on VEIS proper search tactics and getting comfortable with using our various saws. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to train on an acquired structure donated by a community member. The house, like many in our district, is an old farmhouse with features that differ significantly from modern homes. CFPD plans to use the building for various training exercises, leading up to a live burn day where we will conduct training inside the house with live fire.

While some members were completing their apparatus driving tests, six members trained on VEIS and saw operations at the house. Those included FF/EMR Nick Cary, Probationary FF Mark "Dinger" Arnold, Probationary FF Braxton "Bucket" Messel, Probationary FF Nathan "Squared" DuCharme, Probationary FF Allan Zierfuss, and Probationary FF Collin Mulligan. The group split into two teams of three and focused on VEIS techniques and saw handling. Given the heat, an ambulance crew was on hand to monitor the training and ensure everyone stayed hydrated and safe.

VEIS training was led by Lt. Jordan Gustafson and FF/EMT Zach DuCharme. VEIS, which stands for Ventilate, Enter, Isolate, and Search, involves breaking or opening a window to allow heat and smoke to escape, increasing the survivability of the room for potential victims. After venting, the firefighter enters the room, isolates it by closing the door, and quickly searches for victims. Once the search is complete, the firefighter exits the room the same way they entered. Our members learned the importance of proper technique in searching a room and strategies to make the process easier for both themselves and any potential victims.

Saw and small engine training was conducted by FF/EMR Bill Reetz, the proud owner of Big Red Motor Works located at the corner of Milwaukee Street and Church Street—definitely check him out! Bill’s expertise made him the perfect instructor for this portion of our training. Saws and other small engines are crucial in the fire service, used for gaining entry into buildings and ventilating to remove heat and smoke. This can significantly improve conditions inside a burning building for both firefighters and victims. Other small engines commonly used are positive pressure fans (PPVs), which help remove smoke after a fire is extinguished. Our members were thoroughly trained on how to start, operate, and safely use the saws. The crews used the saws to clear trees and brush around the house, making it easier to access the building and control the fire on our burn day.

Training on an acquired structure was a valuable experience! CFPD extends a massive thank you to the homeowner for providing this opportunity. Our members are eager for more chances to train and enhance our skills, ensuring we deliver the best possible service. Until next time!