Local Elected Officials Take Citizen Fire Operations Course

OSWEGO, IL — A group of local elected officials joined the Oswego Fire Protection District in the first Citizen Fire Operation Course as a way to learn about the job and duties of fire crews March 19.

Officials spent all of Saturday participating in the course held at the fire department's training facility located on the Station 3 campus in Montgomery. The event, officials said Tuesday, is designed to increase understanding and awareness of the OFPD.

People who participated learned about the department's day-to-day operations, car fires, vehicle extrication and fire behavior. They also saw what a cardiac response looks like through a "mega code" demonstration.

For the event, local officials were fitted in turnout gear and had the opportunity to participate in hands-on scenarios such as advancing a hose line, putting out a care fire, using a thermal imaging camera and using tools during a vehicle extrication, OFPD officials said.

"Everyone had a great time during this unique opportunity, receiving a behind-the-scenes experience of the work emergency services professionals conduct on a daily basis, as well as learning how our department operates," reads a news release from the fire department.