01.2007
FIRE OPS 101
"Call The Roll" - The Columbus City Council
What does it take to rescue a baby from a burning building? Or free someone trapped in the wreckage of a car? How about climbing a 110-foot ladder? Four Columbus City Councilmembers participated in a unique, hands-on fire training academy called “Fire Ops 101” and can answer all those questions and more.

Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther, Development Committee Chair Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Administration Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, and Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig were guests of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 67 for a one-day training experience at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg.

The training event consisted of a series of drills designed to simulate real life scenarios. During the exercises, Councilmembers used the latest fire fighting equipment while wearing full turnout gear. One of the drills, the Search and Rescue exercise, provided Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther an opportunity to use the division’s thermal imaging cameras. The state-of-the art thermal camera equipment significantly enhances rescue operations by allowing fire fighters to "see" in smoke-filled environments. Ginther championed legislation for the purchase of the cameras earlier this year.

“It is essential that we continue investing in cutting-edge technology," said Safety Committee Chair Ginther. “Whether it’s the latest turnout gear or more advanced equipment, we must provide our fire fighters the tools they need to remain national leaders in their areas of service.”

“You cannot put a price tag on safety,” said Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig. “Although we are in tighter fiscal times, we must do everything we can to provide our fire fighters the best equipment possible.”

The physical demands of the exercise drills demonstrated to the Councilmembers how vital it is for fire fighters to receive advanced training.

“Safety is key,” said Councilmember Maryellen O’Shaughnessy. “In order to keep Columbus residents safe, fire fighters need the type of training that prepares them to operate effectively in dangerous environments.”

Having experienced the types of challenges fire fighters endure, all four Councilmembers noted how they now have an even greater appreciation for the job these brave men and women perform.

“Until you’ve walked in their shoes you cannot fully appreciate what they do,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. “This experience gave me a greater understanding of the service Columbus fire fighters provide.”

“We’ll continue to rely on the fire fighters to tell us what they need in order to do their jobs,” said Ginther. “This training experience brings real tangibility to the requests that the Division of Fire brings before Council.”

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