Spring fire school has come to a close. Paynton volunteer fire department was fortunate enough to send three officers to take two different courses from April 12 - 14.
Nipawin can get back to normal after hosting 245 students, 20 instructors and the board of directors. The Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association invites career and volunteer firefighters from around the province twice a year to challenge themselves mentally and physically, improving skills needed to perform their jobs.
With a trade show geared towards safety as well as equipment, firefighters and officers were able to make new connections and pick up new safety information. Community businesses and exhibitors from the trade show were more than happy to sponsor this event with door prizes, a silent auction and raffle prizes.
The staff and students of LP Miller Comprehensive were on hand to help with everything from serving lunch to fixing instructors' computer glitches as were members of Nipawin Fire and Rescue. Without the many volunteer hours of the many people involved, this school would not happen.
Ken Dobra, executive director of the SVFFA outdid himself again putting together the course catalogue and making sure everyone involved was taken care of.
Small fire department management instructed by J.D. Lloyd offered fire officers and senior firefighters a chance to learn more about firefighter history, procedures, responsibilities and management techniques as well as a forum for the students to learn from each other. More physical courses like school bus extrication and surface ice rescue, SCBA and emergency escape/firefighter rescue were offered for the more seasoned men and women along with the 1000 basic level one/two firefighter orientation/safety/fire behaviour/PPE for the less experienced.
With the continued support of the Ministry of the Environment, Office of the Fire Commissioner and the SVFFA, Saskatchewan's firefighters will continue to learn and improve each spring and fall. This September, fire school will be hosted by North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services.
To join your local volunteer fire department, call your municipal office; for fire departments to join the SVFFA, contact your zone director. Information can be found on the svffa.ca website.
Paynton's next fire meeting/training will be held at Paynton fire hall May 8 at 7 p.m., 6:30 if you want pizza. New members are always welcome!
