The Chilhowie Fire Department, Rescue Training Consultants, and Tech-Resq Training Specialists hosted a Confined Space Operations course in Chilhowie this weekend. The class consisted of one night of classroom instruction, and two days of practical exercises. The students used various equipment to make confined space entries into a trailer provided by Tech Res-Q Training Specialists. The students made horizontal and vertical entries in various confined space scenarios. We would like to thank all of the parties that assisted in making this class a success, and thank all the participants for attending.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins.

An Operations Level Trench Rescue class was conducted by Rescue Training Consultants in cooperation with the Chilhowie Fire Department on October 9th, 10th, and 11th. Class participants learned about soil classification, soil mechanics, shoring, and safety in the classroom setting. Practical skills included shoring a straight trench, single side cave-in, and a double sided cave-in. They also completed skills on outside whales, inside wales, supplemental shoring, and dealing with heavy objects and "L" trench emergencies. Many departments from throughout the area were represented in the course.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

CFD members had department training on the new Brush 254 that was recently placed in service. Chief David Haynes instructed members of the Department about the skid unit and master stream operations on Brush 254. Foam and water was flowed from forestry line and the deck gun.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

CFD Members and Explorers participated in a drill in the fire station where the crew of two firefighters had to follow a hose line and find a downed firefighter. Once located, they had to extract him to the closest exit. The members and explorers were able to practice different situations and search techniques.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

Members of the CFD obtained a few packages of wood chips and animal bedding that is produced in Chilhowie Fire's response area. A lighter and a road flare were both used to test the flammability of the products.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

Members of the CFD were able to tour a new gymnasium and addition that a local church is adding to their facility. The addition is still in the construction phase, and the members were able to see the location of important sprinkler connections and check into the layout of the structure. We would like to thank the Chilhowie Christian Church for allowing us to tour the building.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

On July 28th, July 30th, August 3rd, and August 5th, the Town of Chilhowie Public Works personnel participated in a Department of VA Fire Programs Hazardous Materials Operations course. They were instructed how to create dams, dikes, and divert liquid spills. They also went over how to properly set-up and go through decontamination. This completes the Public Works personnel's required basic firefighter training. We would like to congratulate them on staying focused and giving it their all!  

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

Due to the Chilhowie Fire Department being the primary 911 transport agency for our response district, all the members are required become EMT's in addition to the basic firefighter training courses. The members have two years to obtain all the basic training that is required. On Tuesday, Cpt. Josh Davidson instructed new members and CFD Explorers on the first step of the process, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. The course lasted several hours and they were instructed how to perform infant, pediatric, and adult CPR.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

At 13:00hrs, the Chilhowie Fire Explorers participated in a drill where they learned how to attach supply line to a fire hydrant. The Explorers learned the steps to take in hooking supply line to fire hydrants. They began by pulling the 5 inch line off Engine 252 and flushing the hydrant. After attaching the gate valve, they hooked the supply line to the hydrant and charged the line. The other Explorers pulled a preconnected line off of the front bumper and flowed water. Several members of the CFD assisted with the drill.

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins

The Chilhowie Public Works personnel continue their training as they have already started the VA Department of Fire Programs Firefighter II curriculum. This portion of the training involved Class A and B foam. The students were shown the different types of foam and the different application methods. Several different nozzles were used to show the difference in the way it is applied. We would like to congratulate all four of them for successfully passing the practical and written exams for Firefighter I. Keep up the good work!

Photos courtesy of Tom Rollins