PERRYSBURG, Ohio — For the last 70 years, firefighters in northwest Ohio have been sharing their knowledge with those who are interested in helping their communities by becoming volunteer firefighters and those who want to continue their education.
Over the years, the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Fireman’s Association has put on their free regional firefighter school at the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University and other locations across the area.
This weekend, a huge crowd gathered at the Penta Career Center to learn what it takes to be successful as a firefighter in 2024 and get some specialized training for situations they may not come in contact with every day.
“Technology is changing. We need to know how to put fires out. We to know how to extricate people. It’s what we need to do to train to be better in the community,” said Jeff Orphal, NOVFA, Regional Fire School chairman.
Of course firefighters respond to a plethora of emergency situations beyond fighting fires.
Responding to opioid emergencies, auto extrication, agricultural accidents, hazardous material response, and responding to railroad incidents were also covered at the event.
“Anything that we’re going to come upon as a first responder, whether we are honing old skills or getting new skills with new technologies,” said Orphal.
Classes also tackled the mental challenges firefighters face as well as more mundane but important tasks like cleaning and maintaining fire gear and sprinkler systems.
To a person, young or old, each firefighter at the event said the reason they joined the profession was to help people, but they also say they need more help.
“Please come out. If you’re in the community and you’re interested in the fire service, come out and take a look,” said Orphal. “I’m sure there’s a department in your community that is needing your help and they would welcome you with open arms.”
Heather Bacon, who helped organize the event, agreed.
“Honestly, firefighting is the best job on the planet,” said Bacon. “We see people on their worst days and if we can help make their day just a little bit better, it makes it totally worth it.”
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