Granbury hosting largest class ever at its Fire Academy
Published: Wed, 11/02/22
Granbury hosting largest class ever at its Fire Academy
Kathy Cruz; Hood County News
REALISTIC EXPERIENCE: In this photo, GVFD’s Tower 1, left, is being used to teach rookies how to enter an upper story window from the platform. GVFD Ladder 1, right, is extended to its full length of 105 feet so that rookies can experience climbing to the top. An instructor is at the top of Ladder 1 to monitor rookies during their climb.
The Granbury Volunteer Fire Department is currently hosting the largest rookie class in the history of its Fire Academy.
Fifty rookie firefighters are nearing completion of the eight-week academy, which prepares beginners to take the Firefighter 1 and 2 certification tests.
LIFESAVERS: Rookie firefighters wear masks to simulate a dark, smoke-filled room during an exercise in which they rely on touch alone to find and rescue a “victim.”
The newcomers are receiving hands-on training with hoses, ropes, ladders, and fire extinguishers. They are learning skills needed in rescues, forcible entry, extractions, and other emergency scenarios.
In addition, they are also learning fire science and are directly observing fire behavior in the GVFD’s flashover chamber.
The rookies are from eight of Hood County’s nine volunteer fire departments. A few are from departments outside of Hood County.
GVFD Training Lieutenant Diego Guerrero noted that volunteer fire departments work cooperatively for the benefit of the communities they serve. He added that teamwork is an important part of the Fire Academy and that many of the county’s fire departments are sending instructors to help train the large rookie class.
TEAMWORK: Firefighters in training learn that they must work together to control the stream that comes from a large hose. The smoke in the background is from the Granbury VFD Fire Academy’s flashover chamber.
In noting that this is the largest rookie class to ever attend the Fire Academy, GVFD Fire Chief Matt Hohon said that the value of training together is clear when the fire departments work together at fires or other emergencies. The joint trainings help all of the departments to work seamlessly together, he stated.
The GVFD has served the city and surrounding areas for 115 years.
More information about the department, including how to apply to join, can be found at GVFD.org or by contacting GVFD’s Station No. 1 at 817-579-1111.