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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 1, 2010
CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Office, 605.773.3178
State Fire School: More Than 500 Expected
Pierre, S.D. – South Dakota firefighters get a chance to sharpen their skills at the annual State Fire School, scheduled for June 10-12 in Brookings.
Over 500firefighters and first responders from across the state are expected to attend the training. They will choose from 22 classes that offer both hands-on and classroom training in areas such as rope rescues and safe operations in structure fires.
"This year’s fire school classes touch on the multiple skills required of today's firefighter,” said Jennifer Lindberg, Deputy State Fire Marshal. “South Dakota firefighters must train to handle different types of fires and many other specialized rescues. They need to be ready to respond to just about anything.”
Among featured classes is one designed to help the first-arriving firefighters assess the challenges of a particular fire. The class is titled “The Three R’s of Size Up.’’
“The course helps the firefighters read the fire, read the structure and read the risk,’’ Lindberg said. “Focusing on those three Rs allows them to immediately size up the response needed and use resources safely and effectively.’’
While many of the 22 courses target firefighting challenges, other topics are also covered including EMT refresher hours, innovative fire prevention for smaller communities, and arson detection for first responders.
Opening ceremonies for the FireSchool start at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, at MickelsonMiddle School in Brookings. The Brookings Fire Department will host StateFireSchool activities. FireSchool is sponsored by the South Dakota Firefighters Association.
For a FireSchool schedule and class listing, visit www.sdfirefighters.org.
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*Lindberg (LIND’-burg)