By Ron Clayton
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Copyright 2007 Chattanooga Publishing Company
ATHENS, Tenn. — When city firefighters here are on the job, they aren’t always fighting fires. Chores and training take up much of their duty time.
Now, thanks to a gift from two local businessmen, the department has an opportunity to train new engineers and volunteers on the workings of a fire pump.
Ray and Russ Seaton bought a 1971 Ward LaFrance fire engine at auction and donated the pump and control panel to the fire department, along with $1,000 to buy training software.
“We are just glad we could help,” Ray Seaton said after the Athens City Council gave them an award for the gift in March.
Public Works mechanic Rick Standridge cut away part of the pump casing and built a rolling stand so the assembly can be moved around.
Training instructor Charlie Dennis said the pump and a fireplug with its casing partly removed will be used as visual training aids for firefighters and for school tours.
“This has both in-and-out and twist-type of valves, and instead of just pumping, firefighters can see how the valves actually work,” Capt. Dennis said.
The department has moved to beef up training since the Insurance Services Organization last year reduced the city’s fire protection rating. The donation for software will allow the department to improve recordkeeping, another goal toward regaining the city’s Class 3 rating.
“We also found out that some vehicle inspections and other items we do on a daily basis can also be counted as training,” Fire Chief Bob Miller said.
With more time spent and better documentation, training hours for the department have jumped about 25 percent in the past few months, officials said. That will pay off in better protection, they said.
The city has two stations, four main-line engines, a snorkel and other various equipment for rescue and brush fires.
“This is still a work in progress,” Capt. Dennis said.
Chief Miller said the department is looking for seven more volunteers, and the aid will be vital in helping train the new recruits.
In addition to boosting training, the department is expecting to receive a new engine/ladder truck within the next month, and a fire committee has suggested hiring more firefighters.