Connect caught up with the 25 recruits as they were going through a series of practice drills that involved response to a factory fire, a car under a train, gas leak and atmospheric monitor assessment. They also carried out a flare-off scenario of a notional LPG fuel tank in a damaged car.
Bangholme Manager Leona Latcham said it’s believed to be the first time the career firefighter recruits have trained at Bangholme. “We’re very pleased to host the recruits and hope to have them back again sometime in the future,” she said.
CFA Instructor Paul Elso said the recruits were divided into four platoons and put through a series of drills responding to emergency calls from a notional fire station.
“We’ve tried to make the training as realistic as possible for the recruits, who have trained both night and day at the training ground,” Paul said. “We have exposed the recruits to practising a high level of skills training so far on the course, so this is the culmination of the 16-week course,” Paul added.
“The recruits have also spent time at both Frankston and Patterson River fire stations, and Dandenong brigade has provided the rescue platform for training at night.”
Paul, a senior station officer with Craigieburn brigade, was joined by other instructors Leading Firefighters Gary Mynes, Ben Reynolds, Adam Small, Travis Klein and Sam Maiolo. Qualified Firefighter Emily Hayes assisted the instructors.
“The staff at Bangholme have been very helpful in assisting the instructors with putting together the two-week training program,” Paul said. “We are also thankful to the operations staff in Districts 8 and 17 who have assisted and been very accommodating of our requirements both here at Bangholme and at the Longerenong Field Training Ground.”
The 25 recruits are due to graduate on Friday 3 August.
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