A diverse group of Chattanooga’s city leaders, nurses, and engaged community members traded their usual routines for a day of intense, hands-on training on May 10, as they participated in the annual Fire Ops 101 event.
Hosted by the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 820, and the Chattanooga Fire Department, the immersive class provided an in-depth look at the multifaceted operations of the fire service.
This year’s Fire Ops 101 held a special significance, being the first event of its kind hosted at the Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County Emergency Services’ newly opened training tower.
Participants were given a realistic glimpse into the daily challenges and critical skills required of firefighters through a series of dynamic training evolutions. The day’s curriculum included practical sessions on utilizing fire extinguishers, navigating fire suppression and search scenarios, mastering urban search and rescue rope techniques, performing vehicle extrication, and understanding hazardous materials (Hazmat) protocols.
This firsthand experience allowed attendees to not only witness, but actively participate in some of the core responsibilities of Chattanooga’s firefighters.
According to the union, the annual Fire Ops 101 class serves a crucial purpose: to educate the public on the demanding nature of the firefighting profession. By stepping into the boots of a firefighter for the day, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the physical and mental fortitude required to respond to emergencies.
Diamond Love, from the Vanderbilt Burn Center, was among the participants who experienced the intensity of the training.
“We have used the jaws of life and all the other large tools to break into cars,” Love shared. “We’ve learned the way fires work, how they escalate, and which fire extinguishers extinguish which fires. We got to see a little bit of height and rappelling on how they do certain rescues.”
The comprehensive program, which ran from 7 a.m.-1p.m., also included a CPR demonstration and an overview of the CFD firefighter ability test. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with the dedicated men and women who serve the city of Chattanooga, gaining valuable insights into their training, equipment, and the risks they face daily.
Organizers emphasized that Fire Ops 101 aims to expose participants to the realities of the job, including the smoke, the adrenaline rush, and the significant physical and emotional stress firefighters and emergency medical personnel routinely encounter.
Furthermore, they say, the event serves to highlight the critical need for adequate and safe staffing, up-to-date protective equipment, modern apparatus, and presumptive laws that protect these vital public servants.