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Truck operations conducted at the Irving Fire Citizen's Fire Academy are also a strenuous activity. Adding to the realism of the unexpected, they are conducted in the flight path of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport giving many Students an unexpected surprise. Here students climb a 105 foot areal ladder set at 70 degrees. Students have to judge their physical capabilities not only for the climb up, but to be able to make the climb down. The climb is done in street clothing as bunker gear has been determined to be a safety issue over the years for inexperienced climbers. Safety is of primary importance. Each climber is tied off with a safety line and has a safety spotter directly behind them as well as on the ground. The Photographer serves as a third monitoring the student faces for signs of stress. In addition a Technical Rescue Team and apparatus, an Engine Company, a 100 foot Areal Platform, Medic Unit, Safety Officer and EMS Officer are in attendance. Twice each year, since 2002, the Irving Fire Department hosts the Irving Citizen's Fire Academy, a 9 week course open to 16 Irving Residents with both classroom and hands-on training on what it is like to be an Irving Firefighter. Course Modules include Fire Service Traditions and History, Recruiting-Hiring-Training, Fire Extinguishers, Personal Protective Clothing, SCBA, Swift Water Rescue, Home Fire Safety, HAZ-MAT Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Vehicle Extrication - Jaws-of-Life, Fire Ground Safety, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Truck Company-Master Stream Operstions, Engine Company Hydraulicas-Attack Line Operations, and Technical Rescue.
Graduates may further advance to Active Fire Ground Firefighter Rehabilitation and SCBA Support Services. Irving, Dallas County, Texas, USA. (Approved for public release November 2013. Photography by Fred Blundell)
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