Sleepy Hollow's Bravest participates in Aerial Operations Course
By Captain Christopher Scelza
June 12, 2011
On June 4th and 5th, Sleepy Hollow firefighters participated in an Aerial Operations Course. The course was taught by Michael Wilbur of Emergency Vehicle Response Inc. Mr. Wilbur is a Lieutenant with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) with 30 plus years of experience in firefighting. The course gave an overview of truck company operations with special focus on the placement of aerial devices. Case studies of proper truck placement, aerial device placement, aerial device designs, aerial device safety and operation were reviewed. Firefighters also learned the consequences of improper handling of aerial devices by going over incidents where improper application of aerial devices led to injuries and/or death. Special attention was given to our own truck, Tower Ladder 38, with its merits and deficiencies in its design and application discussed. On June 5th, firefighters used their classroom learning in actual scenarios using the aerial device of Tower Ladder 38. Experienced and probationary members each took a turn at the controls of the aerial and used their skills and knowledge to overcome three different training stations.
Obstacle 2
Taking measurements
Captain Scelza kicking off practical training with obstacle 1
Captain Scelza
Obstacle 3
Firefighter Trainee G. Gonzalez
Awesome shot by Captain Faustino
Firefighter Trainee B. Rodriguez first time operating Tower Ladder 38. Captain Scelza instructing.