Iron Sharpens Iron...

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

- Proverbs 27:17

South Metro Station 34

Good day and happy Thursday...

Yesterday was an interesting and insightful time for me as I was honored to spend the morning with the South Metro Station 34 Fire and Rescue team. I received a first-hand look at their station, equipment and an impromptu look at some training they were conducting.

Special thanks to my host and the rest of the team at Station 34 for the "down and in" tactical look. They were very gracious, accommodating and welcoming. Thank you seems inadequate for all you do every day but, thank you. 

I witnessed a talented, skilled and passionate team on-duty yesterday equipped with some sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology and equipment plus some old school gear that enables them to do what they do best - save lives.

The Irons -
Axe and Halligan Tool

Upon arrival, I had the opportunity to observe several team members conducting training for forcible entry, a basic duty for all firefighters that can be a daily occurence. Of course I asked a lot of questions as I watched them use The Irons (i.e., axe and halligan tool) on the training door. Think those tools are simply a fashion statement for firefighters? Hardly. Do they work to preserve the integrity of the door - indeed. Irons are the tools that firefighters routinely use, especially if hydraulic forcible entry tools are not available or in their arsenal. I enjoyed observing the experienced team members sharing, mentoring and working with a more junior firefighter on the art of entry and the tactics for external opening and internal opening doors. An impressive display of iron sharpening iron with the team from Station 34. Yes, the tech and equipment they use is impressive but ultimately when they respond it is about the team work, trust, training - the human dimension.

Oh, the halligan tool - what a clever and versatile tool. Unfamiliar with the tool and its origin? Give this article a read.  An impressive and capable invention, especially in the hands of a South Metro Station 34 Fire and Rescue firefighter. 

The remaining time was spent looking at the Fire Station and discussing the capabilities of Tower 34, Rescue 34, Tender 34 and Medic 34 vehicles. What an impressive array of equipment. 

I will leave with you with some photos I snapped as my host allowed me in to each vehicle and talked me through its capabilities and how/when it is employed. If you ever have an opportunity to visit a fire station in your area or observe their training - do it! You will learn a lot and have a better understanding of the outstanding heart, skill and character of these first responders who put their lives on the line for you and me - every day. We are fortunate to have them in place 24x7, 365.

Tower 34 - Towers carry an assortment of equipment including ground ladders, forcible entry tools, extrication equipment, water (~300 gallons), pump and hoses, manned by a crew of four firefighters. 

Tower 34 Truck

Rescue 34 - A specialized vehicle used by the technical rescue team to respond to emergencies like building collapse, vehicle extrication and large structure fires.

Rescue 34 Truck

Tender 34 - South Metro operates 6 water tenders which are staffed when needed by the Engine, Tower or Medic crew housed with them. South Metro protects many areas without fire hydrants which requires them to bring their own water to extinguish fires. All of their tenders carry around 3,000 gallons of water.

Tender 34 Engine

Medic 34 - Staffed with a crew of two firefighters, of which one is a paramedic. They respond to all types of emergencies and can transport patients to the hospital. The powered gurney lift is a great addition to this vehicle and a back saver!

Medic 34

I expect you are also wondering if they still use a fireman's pole to get from the top floor of the station to the ground floor - yep, they sure do.

Station 34 - Fireman's Pole

Humbly,
Collabman