Ryan Goes to Fire School

Today let's recognize Fire School attendee - Ryan Blake! Ryan has been with LFD for a year and a half and is a Firefighter/EMT-B. In College Station Ryan attended Industrial Confined Space Rescue. In this class they took existing knowledge of rope lowering systems, belay systems, patient packaging and mechanical advantage haul systems, and implemented these skills into a confined space rescue scenario. Ryan says they were taught new skills that are more frequently used in confined space rescues like, different ways to use a Tripod for a high point anchor on numerous rope haul/lower systems. The group also did atmospheric monitoring, where they use special gas detectors and monitors to determine if a confined space contains flammable or toxic/poisonous gases. Ryan learned to use ventilation equipment to evacuate the gases out of the space so that rescuers can enter. In the event that the confined space can't be ventilated, they learned how to operate using SAR's (supplied air respirators). Sar's make it possible for firefighters to enter the dangerous atmosphere to perform a rescue of a patient. Ryan thinks this training is beneficial to LFD because it expands a firefighter's level of thinking and helps them think outside the box. Ryan said, "Technical rescues like high angle rope rescues and confined space rescues are what we call "low frequency, HIGH risk" situations, they aren't our everyday calls but when they happen they are usually extremely dangerous for our patients and our rescuers." We appreciate you taking the time to learn new skills Ryan!

Tony Goes to Fire School

Recently we explained a little about Fire School in College Station. We mentioned we have some amazing instructors that are asked to participate. Now in the next week or so, we want to recognize our Firefighters that attend training there to enhance their skills and to better the department. Firefighter Tony Anguiano is who we are recognizing today and he's been with LFD since 2010. Tony took a class called Firefighting Phase V and it is the last class on "basic fire training". He says this comes after you learn all about self contained breathing apparatus, proper hose/nozzle handling and ladder skills. This class focuses more in detail on the response and confinement of hazardous materials in small and large quantities. During the drill portion of the class, Tony worked on various training props that simulated a variety of potential situations they might encounter as firefighters. Tony says one of the coolest experiences, was operating the valve to simulate shutting off a fuel source, knowing that the only thing between you and fire is a pattern of water being held by a fellow firefighter. A quote from Tony: "Being able to meet and interact with neighboring departments really magnified the knowledge that Leander Fire Department has, and continues to obtain to make our department the best it can be." Thanks Tony for sharing your experience at Fire School with Leander!

Associates Take Department Vehicle Training

Saturday our Associates participated in driver training in our training area at the department. In case of an emergency Associates may need to operate a vehicle bigger than their regular cars. The Associates practiced driving our LFD brush truck and received imperative safety information. Their fantastic instructors were Lt. Bailey and Training Specialist Phil Reynolds. Does that sound like fun to you? (It was!) Our Associates are a group of volunteers who offer LFD support in Rehab, emergencies, after fire care, birthday parties and community events! We are always looking for new faces to join our team! And, you never know what you might find yourself doing! E-mail our volunteer coordinator for more info! jnalley@leandertx.gov

Welcome to "All About LFD"

Leander Fire Department welcomes you to our new blog!  We hope to share with you all the wonderful happenings here at the department!  You can also view some of our favorite training, community outreach and meet the firefighters stories here!  Enjoy!