Darth Vader, an Adrenalin Rush and 'Snowpants on Steroids'

I have new respect for firefighters dressed in full “turnout gear,” especially in the heat of summer.

The third session of the Citizens Fire Academy, sponsored by the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, was held at Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, and it was great fun – I got to wear complete firefighter gear.

I had the help of Ramona Mansfield, a firefighter who has been with the department for three years.  She smirked as I struggled with the multi-layered jacket and pants, insulated gloves, sturdy boots, helmet, cloth ear protector and breathing apparatus.  

I almost keeled over from the bulkiness and weight, which was about 70 pounds! The helmet alone, packed with a flashlight, door stopper and other safety items, gave me neck pain in minutes.

There were chuckles as we stumbled around the room in what Capt. Chris Kunzelmann called “snowpants on steroids” and oversized boots.  Interestingly, the pants, jacket and gloves are flame and water retardant, but not flame proof.  A special inner layer serves as a heat barrier.

“Nothing is fire proof,” said Kunzelmann, who said that a custom-made, firefighter uniform costs in the vicinity of $4,000.

We were fascinated at how much gear is either attached to the jacket and pants, or tucked away in a pocket.  Each jacket has a loop on the neck in case a firefighter needs to be dragged to safety.

Multi-use lines, or webbing, are attached by carabiners for a quick escape from a window, or to give a fire fighter orientation in what Kunzelmann called “a smoky, nasty room where you can’t see your hand in front of your face in the dark.”

Among other safety checks, I found it interesting that when firefighters arrive at a call, they hand their ID tags to the officer in charge so that everyone can be accounted for; tags are returned to the owners when the call is complete.

Still in full uniform, I decided to let Ramona create a tight seal on the face mask of the breathing apparatus so I could experience what is like. When wearing a breathing apparatus, you are breathing in compressed air.  The tank is attached with a harness and holds 4,000 pounds of air that can last from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on exertion, body type and other variables.

It didn’t take long for me to get lightheaded, although it was great fun to sound like Darth Vader when I talked.

We also learned about the extensive training program at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.  On top of regular shifts, these firefighters – on their own time – spend thousands of hours each year attending classes in everything from airplane-crash response to handling an overturned bus filled with passengers. 

Did you know that hybrid cars present a unique challenge when involved in an accident?  A firefighter must know the specific location of the main power line so that it is not cut by mistake, possibly causing an electrical fire.

“This is a dynamic business and things are changing all the time,” said Kunzelmann.  “There are so many hazards in the world.”

He explained that neighboring fire departments frequently share expertise in such areas as trench rescue — "which is more difficult than you think” —  swift-water rescue, and high-angle rescue, when a ladder truck cannot reach a victim.

I had an adrenalin rush during the last activity of the evening.  Under the close supervision of Lt. Tom Kline, we took turns putting out a small fire in a propane pit set up outside the fire station. 

Armed with a fire extinguisher, I found it invigorating to PASS – pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the handle and sweep.  It took a couple of tries to actually douse the fire.

A few safety tips that Kline passed along:

• Always call 911, even when you think a fire is out; embers may still be burning
• Never put your back to a fire, and make sure you have an exit
• Check your fire extinguisher annually when you check smoke detectors
• If you have a grease fire, grab a cookie sheet to cover the pan while waiting for firefighters to arrive
• Never put water on an electrical fire

We have almost reached the half-way point in this eight-week session, and I have learned so much about the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.  

What strikes me the most, however, is the dedication, enthusiasm and integrity of the men and women we have met, such as firefighter Jen Reeser, 34, and her son, Eric, 14, who is in the Explorer program. 

Both were on hand to help us with the gear.  Like Eric, Jen became an Explorer at a young age and at 18 began her formal training, following in the footsteps of her dad, former Avon Fire Chief Harvey Reeser.  

“It’s in your blood,” she said, noting that she considers the fire department her extended family.

Before I tell you about next week’s adventures, I must clarify that I am not in training to become a firefighter.  The intent of the class is to offer an overview of the fire department, and what it takes to become a member, as a way to generate interest and educate the public.

In session four, we’ll explore “fire behavior.”  I’ll also get strapped into the cherry picker on a ladder truck and find out if I’m still afraid of heights.  I’m embarrassed to admit that during a trip last summer to Lake Compounce, I found the Garfield Drop more than I could handle.