| West Potsdam Firefighter Andrew Miller, the largest student in firefighter one, was bit winded after he descended the ladder on Canton's Tower 1.
Not one to let gravity get in his way, Miller scaled the 85 foot ladder that gave a scenic view of SUNY Canton. Miller was one of the about 27 students who made the bracing climb to the top during a class presented by Canton Second Assistant Chief Robert M. Crowe and West Potsdam Past Chief Robert B. Pierce. Crowe shook Miller's hand after he made the climb and subsequent descent. The rest of the students kicked up a hearty cheer at Miller's endeavor.
Even skinny firefighters get winded climbing that ladder, Crowe noted.
What happens when you end class early and give students access to three hoses and a variety of nozzles? Hilarity and the largest fully-clothed firefighter group shower ensue.
The group activity for Saturday's class was the always fun hose and nozzle practical, a follow-up for the "Hose Rolls and Loads" in-class training. All students were required to wear full Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with NFPA standards. However, an ever-prepared and ever-resourceful Potsdam Firefighter Jerrid LaVoie managed to bring his digital camera to the water fight. LaVoie battled fiercely and walked away unscathed, but the digital camera did not, and reports indicate it no longer functions.
Canton Firefighter Tim Gavin and Canton Firefighter Shawn McGregor somehow remained dry for the lesson. McGregor remained safely on top of Engine 7 as he rained water droplets the size of golf balls on the rest of his class and Gavin operated the pumps. Both Gavin and McGregor missed out on an important lesson and will have to rely on their classmates to show them that getting completely drenched by a wide-open nozzle is educational. |
