Fire Rescue News- Ocean City Firefighters train youngsters in camp
OCEAN CITY- Kids of all ages gathered in Ocean City to finish up their week long training at the Ocean City Junior Firefighter Camp.
They aren't your everyday firefighter recruits but maybe some day, they will be. The Ocean City Firefighter Junior Camp is in it's 3rd year and wrapped up it's final day on Thursday, showing 29 kids the ropes of rappelling.
"Today the kids are learning how to rappel, they are harnessed in, hooked to a rope and they.....Continue Reading
step off a ladder and learn how to lower themselves" said Ray Clark, Ocean City Firefighter. "This is simulating if a fireman had to go on the other side of a building to rescue someone" said Clark.
Rappelling wasn't the only thing the kids learned this week. Officials also had them crawl through a room full of a smoke with full equipment and get involved in other real life scenarios to show them what it takes to battle a blaze.
"They got the opportunity to go into a room with theatrical smoke where they wore full firefighter gear as well as SCBA, which is self contained breathing to allow them to breathe fresh air" said Clark. "They got to take a ride around town, stop at a fire hydrant, hook hoses up to hydrants and spray fire hoses as well" said Clark.
"One of the biggest thrill rides for my son is riding the truck every day and he gets to shoot the deck gun. That makes his day when he is here" said Drew Wascho, West Chester, PA and parent.
Officials say the hands on demonstrations and use of teamwork is what makes this camp a hit for the kids and helps it continue to grow year after year.
"We look for firefighters camp and this is one that can put a big smile on his face and he has learned a lot" said Wascho.
"In the fire service, no one does anything individually. Everything is a team effort so we are teaching children how to lean on each other and work as a team" said Clark. "We look to do this for a long time, it's a very good turnout" said Clark.
