Leo Pruys, Shawn Hyatt, Gary Victor Hughes, Allan Empey, and Bill Enge all participated in “Fire Con ’98” over the weekend, which offered specialized training in all aspects of firefighting.
They drove down Thursday and returned home after the Sunday workshops. In order to get a certificate for this conference, you must adequately pass a test.
About 500 firefighters from the Manitoba border up to Marathon and Dryden took part in this event. The Ontario Fire Marshal also was present along with his training crew.
The Devlin/La Vallee fire department receives its training through this intense conference because funds and resources aren’t available here in Rainy River District.
This weekend upgrades their skills, and they carry on with the rest of the fire department through hands-on training and workshops.
The once-a-year weekend involves specialized equipment and various trailers (brought in from across Canada and the U.S.) set up with different workshops.
Some of the courses offered included leadership training, live burn trailers (firefighters go inside in complete darkness and then try to put out fires as they flare up in front of them), and auto extrication (“jaws of life”).
All in all, the firefighters say it’s a great learning experience–and well worth the money and effort to attend! This also gives peace of mind to local residents that we live in a safer community!
Thanks to all five participants for their effort!
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
