Trial by fire for city councillors at KFR Training Centre

“And negotiating it with a team, too. It gives you a real appreciation for how closely these firefighters need to work together to have success in these scenarios,” said Neustaeter.

“To see what they are doing on a daily basis and what they are putting themselves through. More importantly, the training that they are affording themselves to get to that level of service that our community is going to expect and need. It’s good to see first-hand,” added Stephen Karpuk.

Along with fighting a burning car fire, the new recruits also learned how to use the jaws of life, taking turns dismantling a car.

Kamloops Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc believes the experience will help council understand that what KFR does in the community is much more than just firefighting.

“We wanted to make sure that they could participate, see what it’s like to have a day in the life of a firefighter. Putting out a fire, searching a building, wearing the equipment, some of the challenges that you encounter in that day to day realm,” said Uzeloc.

“This is just a tiny, tiny window into their experience everyday and we are so grateful for it,” said Neustaeter.

The councillors also found themselves crawling through a smoke-filled building to rescue a trapped dummy.

While council has recently approved in principal some new firefighters for the department, the five trainees plan to leave the job to the pros.

“They are doing fantastic. For a short little safety briefing and getting out there and participating they are going a great job. If they want to sign-up, I’m more than happy to take the extra staff,” said Uzeloc.

“I appreciate his comment, but I know they have had some excellent applicants,” said Nancy Bepple. “For me this has been about building a deep appreciation and understanding not the job for me,” said Neustaeter.

“I think he has some younger recruits than this guy here,” joked Karpuk.

by Michael Reeve

Trial by fire for city councillors at KFR Training Centre

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