Community leaders, local and state lawmakers and even members of the media were invited to learn more about the job fire fighters do on a daily basis.
The all-day event had teams of "fire fighters" responding to four common calls, a structure fire, a patient in cardiac arrest (heart attack), a car crash needing extrication and even a wildland fire. The controlled situation gives participants a small look at challenges facing fire fighters.
The scenarios take a serious toll on you physically, but also mentally, even in a safe and controlled environment.
"That emotion isn't there, that feeling of loss isn't there, in addition to the physical stuff," says Bryon Hunt, President of the Local No. 2251.
Officials hope this insight will help when their fire agencies have to ask for more resources or different policies.
"Got a little glimpse of the training that the fire fighters go through themselves," says Washoe County Manager John Slaughter, "Firefighters come to us and talk about an incident, talk about equipment, needs they might have, talk about just how they spend the day gives us as some of the policy makers and decision makers it gives us a little better idea of what their needs are."
If you would like to participate in Fire Ops 101 or take a tour with fire fighters, you're encouraged to call the local fire fighter union or a fire station nearest you.
