Members Train on the “Big Line”

“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!”- Last night’s training brought that famous line from the movie “Dodge Ball” to mind. This month’s training focus on engine company operations continued with the 2 1/2 inch hose line, which is a larger caliber hose line for advanced fires. It is a much heavier with a higher back pressure to manage at the nozzle than the more commonly used 1 3/4 inch hose line. Captain Ausefski instructed members on body mechanics that help ma…ke the 2 1/2 inch hose line more manageable in various situations. As you’ll see in some of the pictures, there are smaller members operating the line by themselves in a position where the line could be advanced once properly staffed. A message of the training was, if you can apply the body mechanics to successfully operate the 2 1/2 inch (dodging the wrench), operating the 1 3/4 inch hose line (dodging the ball) will be a breeze. It was great to see some newer members, some that had never operated a fire hose, be able to manage a line that is bemoaned by many in the fire service. The training will continue next week with the 1 3/4″ line.