Journey to IFO: Initial Company Ops-The Finish Line

Well, we made it.

This past weekend was truly a test and a great way to end eight tough weeks in some intense Summer weather. We started out slow with a few lectures, first reviewing BEFO topics, then went full throttle into IFO; Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue. For the remainder of this journey we focused on some critical hands on firefighter skills.

Last night was our "last official class," and we went out with a bang. We were tired, sore and very much spent but jumped into the same evolutions as the previous structure fire days except this time, the instructors had a few new tricks up their sleeves.

Direct Attack: C squad rotated positions for attack on the second floor, Maass and Best, nozzle and back up. Casey and Poux third and fourth. It was dark, really dark, tight in some spots, furniture -obstacles in the way. Still need to work on backup, there are so many variables, you need to think on your feet, move around and fit in some pretty tight spaces. It was a tough evolution with a few hiccups along the way but we communicated and worked together as a team to get in, get the job done and get out.

Search and Rescue: So, remember that I said that the instructors had a few tricks up their sleeves? Well, the the first task, was to do a quick primary search to ID the location of the fire. Maass and Casey on the ground floor, Best and Poux on the second floor. I was a little disorientated upon entry but my partner called out to me and re-directed myself to the stairs. We ID'd the fire, closed the door and were instructed to back out of the area and begin the secondary search. Maass and Casey at this point were now upstairs searching for potential victims when we noticed that Poux was no longer behind us. At that point the Direct Attack team was on top of us, it felt like controlled chaos. We informed the instructor that we should call a Mayday and shift the search to locate Poux. Now, the curve ball, Poux was directed outside, as part of the exercise. While the three of us thought we screwed up, we actually did the right thing, then were directed to backout as well. I missed the bottom step as I backed down the stairs but caught myself.... yikes. Long story short, every other Squad had a rescue but ours, as planned. Hence the curve ball. Hey, you never know what you will find and it may have four legs, not two!

It was hot, humid, really really just awful outside. But this is life, this is what we may encounter at any time.

Many thanks to my brothers from Croton Falls, looking out for their sister by keeping me hydrated. #family.

This is the finish line. Skills evaluation tomorrow and the final written exam is on Saturday. Time to study! Still cannot believe that I actually made it through this class.

Only one photo tonight, compliments of me.

Next up: Survival Weekend-Bring it on Instructor Boddie!!

#wegotthis #finishline #ifosummercohort #family #cffd

Failure it not an option.