The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-22

Waterbury Fire Department was one of the principal speakers to- day at the closing session of the 18th annual Connecticut Fire mems Association in West Haven. The captains subject was Fire mems Short Extension Courses" which treated with the subjects, fire revention. fire fighting and training of firemen in modern methods or the modern science of fire fighting.
 Tn yesterdays elections Chief Henry pH. Heitman of this city was reelected director; Lieutenant Michael J. Flaherty lost out in the contest for treasurer in a test with Michael Souney of New Britain, while Rev Michael Thompson of of Wllllmantic. formerly of Wa terbury was chosen state chaplain for another term.
 Captain Russelrs paper was as follows:
 The object of short extension courses in firemanship Is to present to firemen, in practical form, the beat and latest information avail- able on fire prevention, fire fight ing and training of firemen. Modern fire fighting Is now a science-A science in which conditions are constantly changing. Hence 1t Is necessary for the individual fireman to study these conditions so as to be able to meet them more effici- cntly when they occur. The best way to study this science of fire- manship Is to attend q short course or school once or twice year, lis- ten to talks by experts In various lines, exchange experiences with other firemen in attendance. and discuss the topics and training demonstrations at q round table meting.
 Educational authorities have agreed that lecture training alone has proven the least effective meth cd of reaching the student. Lectures with demonstration and the actual participation of the student has proven the best method.
 Outline of Course
 Objects
 Standardization of methods.
 Fire prevention.
 Fire control. h ie" a
 Salvage. 5.t.
 Life safety. ,t
 Fire prevention--Bubjccts--
 Practical training of firemen.
 Construction, operation and
 maintenance of
 Automotive equipment.
 Advances in fire fighting methods.
 Fire department hydraulics with
 relation to fire streams and
 traing of pump operators.
 Let me state here, do not be frightened by the subjects or chemistry of fire" and fire depart ment hydraulics. The teaching or these subjects is conducted In such a manner that 1t Is readily under- stood by all students of the course. This fact has been proven py tne results already obtained py SUI dents attending courses, wno nave had hut n small amount of gram mar school education, and were able to master these subjects
 Volunteer Department Problems
 The men in the larger cities have the advantage over the men In vol unteer departments in that they have been able to obtain training through instructors in their respec- tive department. But 1t is not so with the departments of the smaller towns. quite frequently the only information they have about new device or hazard has been secured from some trade magazine.
 With the participation of botn the permanent and volunteer nre- men in a. course of this kind, closer contact will be made pe- tween these two branches or the service. ,, h.
 The volunteer members will be able to benefit by the experiences of the men in the city departments.
 Drill ev0iutlons--Ladder. hose and rope work together with pump operations are conducted under standard methods.
 Salvage work--This is q subject that is fast becoming n factor for consideration in all fire depart ments. This phase of work em. bodies methods of towering" "overhauling" and temporary re- pairs" This work when properly done reflects credit upon the fire departments of all communities.
 Life safety---Fire departments are now being called upon in many cases where no fire is involved in the call. The call being for an ac- cident of some sort, a drowning, people having been overcome with gas. or leak in q refrigeration unit where ammonia or gas is be- ing used in the unit. These calls require from those attending the call 6 knowledge of first aid work and resuscitation as 1t Is most es- sential that those operating inhala- tors, and wearing masks of various types be familiar with their opera l tion Tn couraee claases are con- ducted under instructors from such l organizations are the United states Bureau of Mines and the Red Cross. |
 Enrolment fin the course--It is the general belief that the course | should be open, for the enrollment l el every firemen in the state. there- by placing at his disposal m op- purtunity of receiving further edu- cation in his vocation.
 Financing of course--1n this state. federal funds are available