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Long Beach Fire Department and the Redevelopment Agency Partner to Conduct Drill at 645 East Ocean Blvd.
By frhayes | December 17, 2008
In late October, Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Communications Officer Victoria Ballesteros advised the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) that a demolition contract had been awarded for a property at 645 East Ocean Blvd.
The LBFD and the RDA have formed a strong partnership in regard to their department notifying the LBFD and taking the required measures to supply buildings and structures for scenario based training in “real” environments.
Captains Don Anderson and Jim Rexwinkle were instrumental in coordinating the drill activities for all three shifts, which occurred on November 14, 15, & 16. Some of the challenges that they faced was evaluating the structure (three story center hallway) and developing scenarios based on training needs, of specific fire companies. They also had to ensure that the contractors did not lose items (rafters) planned for salvage, due to LBFD activities.
Drills accomplished included forcible entry, hose line deployments (rope bag drop) “Firefighter Down” with entanglement, requiring a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) deployment. Ladder placements, discussions on building construction features, and how this would affect fire-fighting operations.
A total of 80 Firefighters attended this training, including:
B Shift: E1, T1, R1, E11, T11, R11
C Shift: E1, T1, R1, Task Force 6, BC1, E9, E11, T11, R11, E4, T19, E3
A Shift: E1, T1, R1, E7, T7. The afternoon session was canceled due to the Strike Team deployment.
The ability to train in “Real” structures is such a unique and valuable occasion.
As very well stated by Captain Rexwinkle ” The opportunity to train in “Real” buildings allows our Firefighters to test their skills. It provides for the possibility of mistakes occurring, which then can be corrected, potentially saving the lives of Firefighters, and the trapped victims, which they may need to rescue”.
This partnership is a great way to show how two city departments working together can improve efficiency, save money, and demonstrate to the community our commitment to make Long Beach a better city to work, live and play in.
Thank you to the Redevelopment agency, the Long Beach Fire Department looks forward to a growing partnership into the future. For more RDS information check out the Long Beach Development Services November newsletter.
Long Beach TV-8 conducted interviews and filmed operations, a video will be posted in the future to the Fire Channel web site.
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