Department graduates 19 new firefightersBy Nathan Frandino (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Tyrone Walker Firefighter recruit graduate Kevin Andrews stands at attention as the names of his fellow classmates are called Friday at Gaillard Auditorium. Nineteen Charleston firefighters graduated Friday from a two-week training course that was updated to emphasize safety in the wake of last year's fatal Sofa Super Store blaze. The graduating class was one of the largest in the history of the Charleston Fire Department, and it was the first led by Battalion Chief Jimmy Ghi. Ghi was appointed to head the department's training division after an independent review panel called for more realistic training and higher education requirements for city firefighters. The ceremony was held at the Gaillard Auditorium, where family, friends, City Council members and other Fire Department officers welcomed the newest Charleston firefighters. Ghi, who has 30 years of firefighting experience in Virginia and Maryland, said he was excited to oversee for the training session that began July 28. "I was training in Fairfax County in Virginia, but this was the first time that I was there from start to finish," he said. The course heavily reviewed the basic firefighting skills and stressed accountability, incident command and safety, Ghi said. Tom Leslie, a firefighter stationed at the Charleston Air Force Base, says he was pleased with the results that came from the program. "Everything they did was excellent," the 21-year-old Wisconsin native said. "They thoroughly went over the firefighters' levels, and that was very beneficial." The training did not specifically cite the Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters last year but instead focused on general fire survival skills. Ghi hoped that he was able to prepare them for what's next. "Any time you do anything like this, you're like a father with a child and you hope that you gave them enough skills to go forward," he said. Interim Chief Ronnie Classen joined Ghi at the ceremony to present certificates and badges to the new recruits. "If you have half as many years as I did, I know you'll have fun," Classen said, referring to his 38 years of service. The ceremony also featured a video presentation highlighting the firefighters' training with ladder raises, thermal imaging cameras, live fire training and more. Ghi said he has full confidence in the new recruits. "I'm very comfortable with their skills," he said. "They're going to be a great addition to the Fire Department." Reach Nathan Frandino at nfrandino@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 7 comment(s)
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Posted by lillycollette on August 9, 2008 at 4:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless you one and all and keep you safe.
Posted by RetiredFirefighter on August 9, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Two week Recruit Training. What can be accomplished in that short time. When I did mine it was 12 weeks (50 hours per week) and still is (and no it was't a big city). While NFPA does not specifically set the length of recruit training, it does set standards for that training. We had to train (and be certified) to the Firefighter II level before we were able to start working regular shifts. This takes calls for a lot more than two weeks of training.
Unfortunately, Charleston is currently being head up to the rest of the country as an example of what not to be done. Maybe the new chief will be able to change the "good old boy network" and establish a meaningful training department.
Posted by ccfirefighterchick on August 9, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I am not mistaken, the guys that join the City of Charleston MUST already have the course at the fire academy. After they are hired, they then go through the City's additional two week course. So, they are well trained when they start. After the two week course, they will have to go through specialized classes such as RIT training.
Posted by motherof4boys on August 9, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My son is one of the 19 new hires for the Charleston FD. His 13 weeks of firefighting training (firefighter 1 and 2) was through the Army and Department of Defense. He graduated from there with high scores. He also lived there during the training. He is well qualified as are the other graduates. To my understanding, the two week training was to "Welcome them, refresh them, and to introduce Charlestons procedures and train to pass Charlestons qualifications. We all hope they will be a blessing to CFD. I hope I was correct with all this information, but our family has nothing but good things to say.
Congrats all new CFD firefighters!!!
Mom of a CFD firefighter
Posted by jeff61 on August 10, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by motherof4boys on August 9, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
introduce Charlestons procedures and train to pass Charlestons qualifications.
I think that is what people are calling into question. Was it not the "procedures and outdated training" of Charleston FD that was responsible for those 9 deaths? Has the training and pratices been updated since then or are these new firefigthers being subjected to the same old outdated training?
Posted by motherof4boys on August 10, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I apologize, I am not 100% certain on the exact training in those 2 weeks. I just know they did alot of training, refreshing, and such. The person to ask for complete details would be someone who was involved in the teaching/training part. The article also gave helpful info.
Hope this helps alittle, and I am sure someone in the dept will be able to offer much clearer info.
Posted by harley on August 11, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pay Attention!!
1. THEY applied for the job in Charleston. Noone saught them out. Obviously they want to work there.
2. New training personell, not old school.
3. All 19 have already taken FF I & FF II & don't need another 12 weeks. It is a refresher. How would you like to take a new job & have plenty of experience behind you & have to be put through 14 weeks of BS. They did their time & paid their price... they ARE ALREADY FIREFIGHTERS!!! Just at a new company.
4. REMEMBER: The ark was built by amatures & the titanic was built by professionals.
5. Change is coming whether people like it or not! This is a great step toward a new & improved fire department.