GLENVILLE, WV – Students within the Glenville State College (GSC) Department of Land Resources’ Fire Protection course teamed up with the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department (GCVFD) and the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) recently for training on the engine pumps and hoses used to protect structures and forested areas from devastating wildfires. The curriculum is part of the S-130 (Firefighter Training) and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) training courses required for firefighters before they can work on the firelines.

During their afternoon with the GCVFD, the students gained hands-on experience in how the engine pumps on the firetrucks work and how the hoses must be laid in the case of an emergency. Real firetrucks, connections, and hoses were used to meet the curriculum needs and give the students real-world experience while learning proper practices, common tools used, and safety measures that must be followed.

Annually, local fire departments must test all their hoses at each station to remain compliant with equipment requirements established by the West Virginia State Fire Commission. To test thousands of feet of hoses and numerous other equipment, the students and volunteer firefighters worked together to drag, pull, and roll the hoses and record data as each was tested with 300 pounds of water pressure.

“The students had a blast learning about the hard work that the firefighters go through, how that applies to wildland fire fighting, and applying themselves through community service that makes a difference right here in Glenville,” said Jesse King of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. King helped facilitate the volunteer opportunity for the GSC students.