“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”….Fire Drill 9/18/12

I had the opportunity to attend one of the monthly fire drill’s at Fire Station #1 Tuesday, September 18th. Wow! I learned so much and was so proud to see all firefighters working together.
Full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call firefighters were all in attendance. They started the evening in the training room going over questions on how to properly call out a “MAYDAY” during a fire. Lieutenant Wayne Cormier lead the discussion and questions and everyone participated.
After class discussion all firefighters put on their turnout gear and got ready for drill.
Now for the real fun…The firefighters were broke up into teams and had to go into a dark room and either find a dummy, another firefighter, call “MAYDAY” the proper way, or even a few other things. The firemen have worked hard on a make-shift house that was built in this room to educate firefighters on hallways, stairwells, small rooms, floors falling in, etc.
All teams did a great job. They learned that calling a “MAYDAY” is not something that happens often, but is something important you need to know when the time comes and you have to call it.
I’m proud to say that everyday heroes live and work in West Plains. These men and women put their life at risk every time they take a fire call. Be thankful for what we have, it’s good, and thank a firefighter today!
Reminder: Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13. For more information visit the West Plains Fire Department website.