Daily training is a part of every Firefighter’s career.  In addition to recurrent training on the basics of the job – hose and nozzles, ladders, pump and aerial operations, ropes and knots, rescue techniques, and the like – we participate in monthly Paramedic and EMT classes, as well as newer topics.  We now also learn to deal with hazardous materials, saving our own, biohazards, pediatric emergencies, and what can be described as New Millennium topics – counterterrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

This year, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct and participate in simulated house fire drills in buildings scheduled for demolition. We were happy to share these opportunities with Firefighters from neighboring departments.

650 Firefighters from 17 Departments in 9 Days

It all adds up to three weeks of intense public safety training that was recently completed on the NIPSTA Campus. The bi-annual Regional Training Exercise, sponsored by MABAS Division 3, included drills on props located indoors and outdoors.  Three different scenarios were staged each day to improve firefighter skills in Rapid Intervention Team Training, High-Rise Bailout, and Forcible Entry. These activities were delivered by dozens of qualified instructors who share a commitment to mutual aid and cooperation. The NIPSTA training grounds served as the ideal venue for the hundreds of first responders, command personnel, and emergency vehicles that descended upon Glenview.