+- Firepics-THE place for fire photographers (https://firepics.net/MyBB)
+-- Forum: General Discussion (https://firepics.net/MyBB/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: Fire Service Related (https://firepics.net/MyBB/forumdisplay.php?fid=22)
+--- Thread: Training program in Sacramento, CA (/showthread.php?tid=823)
Training program in Sacramento, CA - Guest - 05-06-2014
Today a group of 14 Belgian and Holland firefighters is heading to Sacramento, CA to conduct a training program with the Sacramento Fire Department. They will carry out this mission under the flag of Fire Observers vzw.
Fire Observers vzw is a Belgian non-provit organization that schedulles training and ride along programs at US fire departments. Our goal is to give our firefighters the chance to learn and share ideas and knowledge with our American colleagues. We can take that knowledge back to Belgium, implement it in our departments and become better firemen and give the best service and care to our citizens.
During a period of 7-10 days, our boys and girls are assigned to the busiest halls and units of the city. Next to daily routine like checks, house duties, sport, classes, training, downtime and calls a lot of work visits, training and demonstrations are planned on other days. These regard to ARFF, extrication, high angle rescue, collaps rescue, trench rescue, HazMat, swift water rescue, maritime fire suppression, air operations, MCI,...
Originated in 1996, Fire Observers vzw brought more than 500 firefighters over on more than 40 programs. We've conducted programs in San Diego, Oakland, Fresno, Orange County, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Nashville, Detroit, Miami, Washington DC,...
Next to the current one in Sacramento we've schedulled two more programs this year. One to Fresno, CA and one with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, CO. Both will be held in September. The first project for 2014 was a few weeks ago, in March, when we conducted training with the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department in Georgia.
All members join in for these programs on their own time and dime. They need to pay for all their travel expenses and need to take PTO.
You can find more info about us on the English pages at http://www.fireobservers.org .
When the program in Sacramento is finished, our members will make a touristic trip and have some downtime in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemte NP, Grand Canyon NP, Las Vegas,...
VERSTREPEN Carl
Fire Observers vzw, CFO