Train like you fight, and fight like you train. Short and simple, this saying symbolizes the attitude the West Bradford Fire Company has for it's training program.

Dedicated to this theme, the firefighters of the company participated in a series of live-fire training drills at the West Chester Fire Department Training Center today. During these drills, the volunteers strengthened their skills on water supply, pumping operations, fire attack, search-and-rescue, ventilation, and rapid intervention team (RIT) operations.

The live-fire end-to-end scenarios allow every member to practice different tasks that would normally occur on the fire ground. They also allow new firefighters to build on their skills in a controlled environment. Senior firefighters observe the rookies to provide tips, safety overwatch, and feedback during the scenarios. The repetitive nature of the scenarios are geared to transform the training into second hand nature. The end goal is that members are able to flawlessly perform their duties during real-world emergencies.

Special thanks to the West Chester Fire Department for loan of their training center for the day!