LAWTON, Okla_Ten
new Lawton firefighters battled a dumpster fire and a burning car Thursday. It
was a training exercise for the cadets at the Great Plains Technology Center.
In about a month, they'll don bunker gear full-time, ready to put their lives
on the line, if necessary.
Officials
say these guys have to know the right amount of fire hose pressure when
approaching a blaze because things can quickly turn from good to bad.
When
it comes to dousing fires like a dumpster blaze these new firemen say they're
ready.
"I'm
excited and a little bit nervous, but they're training us well and I'm excited
to get out there and help people out," Patrick Jackson said.
"We're
all real excited, but we have to have a little bit of fear because that keeps
you in check. You never know what's going to happen on the scene, so having a
little bit of that will keep you safe," Jason Sellars said.
Fire
officials say it's important these new firemen know when to spray softly or
turn up the water pressure before being thrown in an actual structure fire.
"We're
showing up on people's worst day and if we can minimize the damage and go down
that hallway get to that room where the fire is burning and damage the least
amount of their supplies, their belongings, that's a good day for us because then
we're doing a better service to our citizens," Training Officer Jared
Williams said.
He
has no doubt with training like Thursday's, these guys will be able to accomplish
that task.
"As
a team we're able to help the citizens of Lawton and I think that's what's
important this ten is that they're learning that teamwork skill and going to be
able to go out and make great firefighters in the future."
Williams
said this group has about four more weeks of training, which include ride-alongs
with the Lawton Fire Department to actual structure fires.
Williams
said the firemen will fully be ready to go by the December 21st.
