Falls Leaders 'Prop' Up Their Firefighters

A group of emerging Menomonee Falls leaders used teamwork, two-by-fours, and dedication to make their firefighters – and community – safer.

Every year for well over two decades, the Leadership Menomonee Falls (LMF) class undertakes an ambitious project for the sake of the community. This year, the LMF class decided on a project that well ensure Falls firefighters receive unique training that could save their lives and the lives of residents for years to come.

The team of about 20 employers and employees in Falls built a series of training props for firefighters that will help prepare them for real-world, life-threatening situations they may encounter on the scene.

More Than Props 

The class built props to simulate a window bailout, structural collapse, wire entanglement, and breaching drywall and squeezing through wall studs. Each exercise has a training program written for it, and is designed to protect the safety of firefighters.

In an era of tight municipal budgets and limited manpower, the service project was a godsend for the Falls fire department.

Click to see how firefighters train for icy water rescues or underwater rescues

“We could not have taken our crews out of service to build these props or fund the materials.” said Battalion Chief Jim Taylor. “The expense would have been prohibitive, and these are things that we need.”

For example, in virtually every office building these days the dropped ceilings are filled with wires and cables for telephones, Internet, and other connectivity. During an emergency, firefighters – clad in clunky equipment - can easily become tangled in those wires. With a limited supply of oxygen, a trap like that is life-threatening.

In 1994, William E. Bridges of the Memphis Fire Department was killed in the line of duty after being entangled in fallen wires. That incident shed new light on the importance of crafting new training exercises for firefighter survival.

The LMF’s prop, which is a jungle of hanging wire, trains firefighters to maneuver through the mess and cut themselves free when they are caught.

“It makes me more confident for rescuing my fellow firefighters,” said Brent Bidenbender, a firefighter and EMT. “People don’t understand what it feels like to be tangled in wire and cut yourself free. To have that relief that you can get yourself free after being trapped is a big deal.”

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter

Bidenbender, Taylor, and Capt. Steve Rehse were the first firefighters to complete the training with the new props. Eventually, all firefighters will complete the important training.

The props also simulate tight confines of collapsed buildings, and a window frame bailout drill that teaches firefighters how to correctly evacuate through a window. The drywall exercise prepares firefighters to bust through drywall, and fit through the 16-inch gap between drywall studs. 

And yes, firefighters of all sizes can fit through that 16-inch gap clad in all their gear. 

A Worthy Project

The lasting impact of the project was not lost on the members who participated in this year’s class. It was a project that not only benefited the community, but also awakened their inner leadership skills.

“I learned how to bring our qualities I didn’t know I have. I’ve learned to push myself outside my comfort zone and become more of a driver,” said Ken Maltby of Froedtert Health. “I’ve seen positive changes in my professional and personal life.”

The LMF class is a 10-month program that includes a multitude of educational sessions, a retreat, and a community project.

“Everyone came together and found a niche and a way to contribute,” said Pam Polyak of Polyak Trucking. “It was great to see it all come together in the end, that’s what was most exciting.”

Other members of the class felt the project was unique in that it’s a double service project. Both firefighters and the community will continue to benefit from the valuable training for a long time.

“We really wanted to find a project we could do as an entire group, and this was perfect. We are supporting the firefighters, but also our community,” said Rachel Arndt of Wells Fargo.

To learn more about the LMF program, you visit the website.