Firefighters brave 90+ degree temperatures to train
ALBANY, GA -- Albany firefighters began their final section of training Wednesday in fire truck operation certification. Operaters must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly manage pressure and water controls on the truck.
Firefighters say this job is one of the most important positions within the department.
“In the absence of a driver these guys are called up to drive. And after a year of successfully serving as a relief driver they are in line to be called up for promotion to be a permanent driver,” said Rubin Jordan, Chief of Training for the Albany Fire Department.
“He's responsible for making sure his crew gets their safe. He's responsible for his guys on the line inside fighting fire. I mean it's a very important job because he's the one that has to get the water on the hose he's got to drive the vehicle,” said driver Michael Padgett.
And as difficult as the job can be getting it might even be tougher.
“It's one of the hardest promotions we say in our department to achieve, basically because it is your first time going up for promotion and you have to perform in front of evaluator,” said Jordan.
“When you got three chief level officers standing over your shoulder, asking questions and watching you try to perform, it gets kind of nerve wrecking,” said Padgett.
Aside from truck operations driver-hopefuls have also faced a driving obstacle course, a written test and a directions street test.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL