The Weekly Update #4

The Fire and Rescue strand of GO CAPS is an exceptional program. The past couple of months, we have been with Chief Novak learning and studying fire life and different careers within the fire service, but not only have we done office work, we've had some hands-on training as well. When training, we do many tasks that range from carrying hoses up stairs to connecting the fire hydrant to the fire truck. We even get to join in on company training. The past few months have been really exciting with a lot of new learning experiences. I've learned many useful things and information to help me with continuing in my career path. I really enjoy when we are out doing training, networking, and growing connections.

The past couple of months have been filled with so many amazing and knowledge- filled opportunities. We've learned so much from airport fires and the different career paths in fire fighting with Bruce Bjorge to learning the complicated and intriguing things behind dispatch. Not only do we sit down and learn, we also have many hands-on training opportunities from running 1410s with Captain Hudson (pulling the hose, attaching the hose to the hydrant, and running water to fire) to hauling and rolling up hoses. The past few months have been filled with fun and unique opportunities to meet all the mentors who have given me so much insight into my future career. I can't wait to learn and do more with the firefighters of our community, grow and train, and get certifications that I will need for future career options. I am so grateful to have an opportunity like this!

The past few months have been so much fun! We got to design the logo for our helmets and Chief Novak put our names on the back of them, which was pretty cool of him! We got to do new training drills and meet new stations and crews. One of the drills we focused on was the 1410, which is the connection and flow of water from hydrant to truck. It required a a whole day in the classroom to learn protocol and procedure, so that we were able to do it proficiently. It was a bit heavy but so much fun!

We have continued to learn more about different careers in the fire service. For example, we had Mr. Bruce Bjorge talk to us about aircraft rescue firefighting and the procedures that they have. A fun note is they only have one crew of three to run the fire department of the whole airport. He also went into military firefighting, which sounds hard to get into due to all the requirements and the wait list to be interviewed. We also had the privilege of having Fire Marshal Darin Patterson speak to us. We had conversations about what interested us and how the fire service contains many different opportunities. It really grew our knowledge of different career possibilities, but I think if I join the fire service, I would focus on working to become a chief or captain. It has been real and a very hands on experience thus far. I have learned many things and hope to keep learning and growing in this career!

My internship with the Branson Fire Department has been amazing! We have done lots of cool things, such as put together the water hoses, undo the hoses, and even man the water hose. I even got to operate the turn table ( the ladder on top of the truck ). We have also met many different people in the fire service and learned about a lot of different career options. Everything we have done has been educational, fun, and different.

During the month of November, I have had many fun lessons like learning about airport/air force firefighting and the goals and positions of rank in Branson Fire Department. We learned about right-hand pulls and even got to spend time with Branson Dispatch. With airport firefighting, there are many things to learn, which is the same as with the airforce. Did you know that everyone in the air force is a certified firefighter? Right-hand pulls describe a certain way firefighters put up their hose, so that it's easier to pull the hose off the truck and hook up to a fire hydrant. When we went to spend time with dispatch, we learned that communication is the most important thing when it comes to public safety, and we got to listen to multiple calls. The past few months have been amazing. I have learned so much, and I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the future.

My internship at Branson Fire Department has been informative and engaging in addition to my volunteer work at Christian Action Ministries (CAM). I have discovered the many aspects and opportunities within the fire service from Chief Novak and others, and I have learned about the many safety precautions taken and the several different situations a firefighter may be called to. Chief Novak taught us to always pay attention and record details. You never when you may need them.

Last month, I was taught the challenges of aircraft rescue and firefighting by Mr. Bjorge, an Air Force Fire Protection Veteran. I realized the importance of specialized equipment when compared to general use apparatus. I trained with Captain Hudson of the Branson Fire Department to connect a fire hydrant to the truck, and I had a jovial time with my other classmates trying to do so. In the final week, I had a special opportunity to shadow Branson dispatchers while they carried out their duties. I learned a few comedic, but impactful stories that highlighted the importance of communication.

I have learned so many great things about firefighting from Chief Novak and others in the field. I have learned about all the different jobs you can do in the fire service and the important things a firefighter does outside of firefighting, like checking on schools to make sure they are safe, medical calls, and even hazardous material calls. We have also learned some amazing skills such as forcible entry.

I am continuing to learn more about what it takes to be a firefighter, but I am also learning things for other careers in the fire service. Getting to visit the Branson Dispatch Center was quite an informative trip, and I learned a lot about the inner workings of the fire industry. Hearing the way they speak, and the terms they use was very fun and interesting. One of my favorite moments of November was when we did 1410 drills with Captain Hudson. The 1410 drills were all about tapping the hydrant and getting water to the truck and getting the water from the truck to the fire.

I'm Anahi Astorga, a senior at Branson High School. I plan to become a wildland fire fighter and get my basic firefighting certifications done as well. One of my favorite things we've done in GO CAPS are the drills and training to be a real firefighter. My experiences in GO CAPS have helped me recognize the different career opportunities in the fire service. GO CAPS is a very helpful and hands-on program. It gives you new views, certifications, and real world experience. It will help know what you are good at, where you need to grow, and help you in those areas.