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The "Jaws-of Life" exercises are one of the most popular and exhausting training scenarios that students are exposed to. Here Students utilize the 'Scissor' attachment to begin removing the vehicle roof by cutting the posts after being checked for and deactivation of airbag deployment devices. Full Truck Companies, Safety and EMS Officers participate in these exercises. Safety is of primary importance. All training operations are conducted at night to expose students to the most difficult of lighting conditions. 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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