So, how do you REALLY feel?

As a recent graduate of an intensive 11-week (citizen) fire academy, I am curious as to how firefighters really feel about on-scene citizen volunteers - those who have undergone firefighting training (some of which is like that shown on "The Academy") - those who are well-trained in fire scene protocol, and who have been instructed as to our limitations on-scene , i.e., stay out of the way! Our focus is to assist our firefighters at the scene with their gear, air paks, cooling fans, raising tarps to protect a victim, and offering comfort and a strong pat on the back where we can. (Off-scene, we organize and coordinate fund raisers for our fire & rescue departments, and our community.)

A service or hinderance? Member of the "family" or just tolerated? Good/bad experiences? What are your thoughts?

Thanks, and please, stay safe out there.

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Smoke EaterPermalink Reply by Smoke Eater on December 9, 2009 at 3:39am
Never had the chance to work with them but it doesn't sound like a bad idea as long as they stay within their limits.
Permalink Reply by JBond on December 9, 2009 at 4:26am
Thanks, Captain for your comment!

I can't speak for other academies, but we were trained to accept that we're NOT firefighters or first responders, that we are NOT entitled to any special treatment by law enforcement when responding to a scene (lights/sirens/speeding etc are not tolerated), that we must park well behind barriers, that we do not drive over the hoses, and when we do arrive on-scene, that we must immediately report, and identify ourselves, to the incident commander who will then assign us according to needs at the time, and that we are to stay in our assigned area, not canvassing the scene.

Being new to all of this, I hope to get opinions from firefighters/first responders/EMTs as to their thoughts and feelings on this subject.

Thank you again - be safe.
Permalink Reply by blair4630 on December 9, 2009 at 9:04pm
We have an auxillary, but they don't do the things you're talking about. Actually, I've never heard of such a thing as a citizen academy. Our on scene support at a fire is the red cross, who besides arranges shelter, clothing and other things for the family, they have a disaster/response trailer that respond to all working fires in the county with coffee, drinks, sandwhiches, it's pretty great.

What do you guys learn in this citizen academy?
Are you guys part of the dept., or a seperate entity?
Are there certifications that go along with this?
Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on December 9, 2009 at 9:28pm
In our department the duties you describe would be performed by either a service member (fundraisers and on scene refreshments) or a junior firefighter. So we appreciate this type of support when we can get it.

I'm curious though, was the 11 weeks a 5 day a week deal or what? Do you self-dispatch to incidents or are you called to respond? Are you covered by the department's insurance?
Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on December 9, 2009 at 10:02pm
JBond;

I am assuming by your choice of words, 'citizens fire academy' that you are distinct from a CERT. Our department has put on a citizens fire academy (as has our pd). It was an 8 week course that exposed citizens to how a fire department operates. There were various hands on activities that culminated in their being allowed (under supervision) to use a hand line and to use the various tools in a mva extrication exercise.

Upon completion they were given a dinner, a certificate of appreciation and tee shirts. It was a PR program mainly to show the public what we do as a fire department and why we need the equipment we have. Beyond that there is no further relationship between them and us and they are in no way utilized for any activity or event.

From what you've written it appears that your department does have a use for you under specific circumstances. That being the case I'm sure that the members appreciate what ever you are able to do for them on scene.
Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on December 9, 2009 at 10:27pm
Way to lend a helping hand!
Permalink Reply by Joey "BigShow" De Piano on December 9, 2009 at 10:31pm
We use something similar in form of either a ladies auxilary who during a worker provide us with gatorade and coffee and food, as part of the rehab but its not something trained for..parts of our state have a "box54" which the county maintains and the vollies of that unit grab the truck which they cook off of and set up camp, in major events like widland fires the state and or county does that..as far as help with packs and that stuff that is where we utilize the probies and jrs. so they forst hand experience handling and dealing with packs...never a bad idea to have help and aid so long as they aren't in harms way or blocking things which i have never seen
Smoke EaterPermalink Reply by Smoke Eater on December 10, 2009 at 3:29am
It does sound interesting. At least if you want to become a firefighter you will have somewhat of an idea of what you are getting into. Also a good way to give back to the community. Kudos brother!!!
Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 3:50am
Thanks for the reply. As far as becoming a firefighter, I'm pretty sure I am way past the cut-off age for starters - and after the academy, I'm pretty sure I could never physically endure what you guys do on a daily basis. Besides, the live burn created enough panic for me to last a life time!
Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 4:03am
Hi and thanks for your response. The Red Cross also provides the same type of support as you mentioned. But, we are more of a direct support for the firefighters themselves. We are not employed in any sense of the word by the city; however, we were trained by active duty firefighters who are employed by the city. There are no certifications of any kind associated with this academy. The academy really covered a lot, and included class time - with a lot of hands-on, such as:
EMS, the MAZE, PPE & SCBA, Extrication (totally destroyed a nearly new Durango - now, THAT was fun!), HAZMAT, Swift Water Rescue, Careflite, Dispatch Operations, Technical Rescue, Truck Operations, Thermal Imaging, Live Burn and Fire Safety/Education.

Thanks for all you do - be safe.
Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 4:13am
Glad to hear that you appreciate the support you receive from your service members and junior firefighters. I'm sure it means a lot to them to know their efforts are recognized! The 11 weeks comprised 11 evening classes and one all-day saturday class. We have the option of being put on the call out list to respond, or if we have our own scanner, we can respond at our discretion. We are not city employees, and are not covered by the department's insurance. Hence, the extensive training. Please, feel free to ask should you have any more questions!

Thanks, and stay safe.
Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 4:17am
Hey, John - it's the least we can do to take care of those who take care of us! You guys don't know the respect and appreciation felt by all for your many jobs well done - thanks for having our backs! Be safe.

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