By Lance Cpl. Ned Johnson
An old firefighter motto says, “Let no man’s ghost return to say his training let him down.”
Camp Lejeune (NC) Fire Department firefighters, along with the National Volunteer Fire Council, are taking this saying to heart by participating in International Fire/Emergency Medical Services Safety Week, June 15-19, 2015.
Firefighters across the base gathered throughout the week to receive safety classes that included operational risk management, proper gear inspections, and Mayday procedures.
“This week is devoted entirely to getting the firefighters to understand the situational awareness of everyday operations,” said Capt. Shannon D. Orndorff, Station Seven captain at the Marines Corps Base Camp. “This isn’t meant to be in-depth drills, but rather impress upon them to take this back to their station and train further.”
Orndorff, who used video and practical demonstrations to teach his class on rescuing down firefighters, also said that the firefighters had displayed a serious interest in learning.
It’s no secret that fighting fire is inherently dangerous, but the leaders of the department are hoping to remind the firefighters that one of the department’s most precious resources are its men and women.
To those men and women, there is nothing more important than their gear.
“We want to concentrate today and reemphasize the importance of the gear being in good condition,” said Capt. Robert Sandy, Hadnot Point station captain. “This is our safety equipment, so it keeps us safe from the fire.
“Safety has to be our number one priority, not only for our customers, but for ourselves,” Sandy added.
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