Saturday March 21, found CFC members splitting duties between our yearly Live Burn training in West Chester and a fundraiser Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. While many of the younger Cadets and Juniors stayed backed in town to assist with the huge number of patrons for the breakfast, many Senior firefighters set out bright and early for a day of instruction with retired DCFD Chief Larry Shultz and Dave Darbro from Engine 11 / Truck 6 also in the DCFD. Both Larry and Dave are also active officers within the Bowie Volunteer fire department in Bowie Maryland, Prince George’s County.

The burn day began for several crews with a brief discussion of techniques and some “tricks of the trade” in hose line advancements. With many years’ experience in the DCFD, Larry and Dave shared what works for them and encouraged us to be open minded. Senior members were quick to listen and quick to join in experiencing some good techniques that we will build on going forward. Many entries were made throughout the day with single and two-line advance options involving single and multi-floor structures. As the day grew, crews were piecing together details that by after several runs had them advancing thru the structure smoothly and efficiently. As the saying of the day goes….. “Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast”.

Crews broke for lunch around noon just as the Junior and Cadet members were arriving from the breakfast detail. Lunch ended around 1230hrs and crews went back at it for another couple hours before Larry and Dave had to head back to Maryland. After their departure CFC Officers assumed the role of stokers while some of the younger members had their chance in experiencing the live burn practices. Crews wrapped up, cleaned up the burn facility and departed West Chester arriving back in Christiana around 1600hrs.

CFC strongly believes that there is no better way to serve our community then by being prepared. By emphasizing our commitment to training and not becoming stagnate or what we already know, we strive to embrace new opportunities to learn and improve. Thanks to Chief Shultz and Dave for the great day of instruction and comradery. Mark your calendar for next year.

Thanks to the West Chester Fire Department for the use of their facility and to Gordonville Fire Company and Tanker 43 for standing by for us while we were out.