This past Saturday October 29th, three of our East Whiteland Fire Company active members were on the grounds of the Montgomery County Fire Academy near Conshohocken, training and learning. On such a nice day with abundant sunshine while many people were out with their families searching for pumpkins or finding their costume for Halloween, these three members arrived very early in the morning for classroom sessions and donning full gear in training exercises all day long. When the alarm sounds and we are called to duty, saving lives and property depends on our quick response and level of training. These members encounter training with passion and excitement. We see it as a great opportunity to learn, practice, and to become the very best we can be. The fire department is always training. Here at East Whiteland, our regular training is 7 PM every Monday. This past Monday our active crew descended on wrecked vehicles at a salvage yard to practice and train in vehicle extrication techniques. The objective was to cut gas and brake pedals inside a wrecked car to free the legs and feet from a person trapped inside a car involved in a serious accident. The more advanced objective was to use the Hurst cutting tool and remove the roof of a car while positioned under another wrecked car. Not an easy task, but with precision work and knowledge, the crew was successful in their goal. Our fire department also provides fire safety training to corporations and area business work locations. The public is invited to join us on Saturday November 5, 2016 from 1 to 3 PM at our fire station, 205 Conestoga Road, for training on how to properly use and operate a Fire Extinguisher. We welcome you to stop by then or any Monday evening between 6:30 and 7 PM if you would like to become a volunteer member and provide an important service to your community. The photos in this post were taken by East Whiteland Firefighter/EMT Kevin Skymba and information coordinated by East Whiteland Firefighter/EMS Lieutenant Quintin Lotz.
