A Day in the Life of a Volunteer Firefighter (Kind of)

The next time you see a volunteer firefighter, give him a hug.

And perhaps a $20 bill. Theirs is a thankless, sweaty and sweltering job.

I recently attended a firefighting training session at the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department to get a taste of what it’s like to prepare to save lives and fight fires.

As a reporter, I’ve always been enthralled with covering fires, though I never wished the experience on anyone. It’s that unpredictable, fast-paced and ever-changing situation filled with stressed out people that my Type A spazz-out self desires.

I wanted to be on the flip side of things. (Minus the flames, panic and real-life danger.)

Needless to say, I quickly realized wearing and carrying 70 pounds of gear in and of itself was a challenge.

Fire Chief David Andrews invited me to try my hand at the firefighting trade and I couldn't pass it up. When I arrived, I headed down to the basement to suit up in what Andrews described as “smurf gear.” At 5’3”, that evaluation was correct. I pulled up my firefighting pants and pulled them over my newly donned heavy black and yellow boots. This was not an easy task.

Bending over seemed like a step-by-step process.

I pulled on my firefighting jacket and headed back upstairs. This was a one-step-at-a-time effort and the moment I began thinking of what it takes to move swiftly during an emergency – while carrying more than half of your own body weight with you in the form of clothing, gear and tools.

This particular training focused on the Rapid Intervention team – the group of firefighters standing by on the scene of a fire in case one of their own becomes trapped. These are the people risking their own lives to save one of their own. The Edgewood Fire Department is in the beginning stages of assisting other departments in this capacity.

Guide rope, forceful entry tools, a life safety harness, power saw and an extra oxygen pack device are just some of the additional items firefighters need to carry in this situation.

A search platoon is designated to locate the firefighter in trouble, while the rescue platoon follows to aid the evacuation and manage resources.

Before training in the basement of the fire department, the lights were shut off and the rest of the crew put on their gear. I affixed a heavy hat on my head and got in line.

First, I followed a rescue team down the stairs where they simulated saving a fellow firefighter from a cramped space. As we walked into the shadows, I could barely see with the protective head covering leaving a tiny hole for half of my face. I walked down thinking – “and this is minus the smoke, fire and serious urgency.”

As we turned a corner and saw the firefighter laying between two walls about three feet apart from each other, I couldn’t believe what it would take to get him out. Two firefighters – already wearing heavy gear, already carrying even heavier tools – had to pick him up and get him up stairs. The rescuee also wears said gear. This all would take place through flames and and a burning building that could possibly be crumbling around them. Seriously? How does anyone do this job? For free?

I thought of myself and how in that moment, I’d most likely be reflecting on my life, coming to peace with my regrets and accepting my impending doom.

During the next run, I carried the extra oxygen pack – in addition to the one I carried on my back. As I prepared, I pulled up the pack I already carried to adjust.

This was the moment I realized I felt as if a nail had been hammered into my shoulder.

I picked up the extra pack (barely) and let out a nervous laugh. Yea. It’s time to start lifting some weights so I can at least have SOME upper body strength.

A firefighter who saw me struggle with the extra weight for a few moments suggested I sling it over my shoulder with the other oxygen pack. That helped.

I made my way down the stairs with a second crew to where the trapped firefighter was laying on the ground. When they called for the extra oxygen pack, I was stepping on the strap and could barely hand it over.

May I note once again – this is minus the fire, smoke and insane stress.

I eventually mustered up my last bits of strength to get it together, step off of the strap and hand it over. I couldn’t believe what these people actually have to do in the line of duty.

I guess I always knew these brave firefighters were literally walking into fire, into horrible situations and I’ve read plenty of tragic stories. But being able to try it in training mode brought my awareness to an all new level.

So, thank you to our firefighters. Thank you for risking it all to help others. Thank you for putting fear aside in aiding others in need. Thank you is all I can say.

It’s time for me to hit the gym.