Los Angeles Fire Department Crew 3

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The Los Angeles Fire Department Crew 3 in Sherman Oaks, California was started by Apparatus Operator Greg Holly and Captain Derek Vehling, two Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters, who wanted to give back some of the training they received when they were young. Crew 3 is trained in wildland firefighting, rather than the municipal firefighting that most Explorer posts are trained in. They are able to handle brush fire, mudslides, flooding, and other large scale disasters.

Training combines 80 hours of classroom training during the spring with hands-on training in the field. This includes project works like sweeping fire lines and cutting hand lines. They learn about the wildland through their training without being exposed the wildfires.

The crew participates in either scheduled or emergency call-outs. Text messaging is used to alert the crew members, and the first eighteen to answer take part in the call-out. However, everyone is encouraged to participate so all crew members receive experience. Scheduled call-outs include training. During the winter, the crew members learn how to fill sandbags, lift and carry heavy objects, and how to work as a team. Emergency calls happen quickly, and crews can be ready within 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Crews see smaller wildfire action, and members are rotated quickly and frequently because they are volunteers.

The Explorer Program is growing rapidly. "Our first year we had about 25, and it's just multiplying every year. Without doing recruitments, the program has kind of sold itself, and we continue to get more and more individuals involved," says Greg Holly, an apparatus operator for LAFD. The Program now has 70 members between the ages of 18 and 23. Each member spends one or two years in the program. Some take a leave of absence to attend school or paramedic training.

The Program is putting out its name to the Los Angeles Fire Department, letting them know that they are there to assist with wildfires. "We have battalion drills and we show up for the brush drills and introduce ourselves, and show the members of the department what we do and what we can be used for," says Kameron Carlis, an engineer for LAFD. The crews are ready to help battle brush fires and tackle major disasters.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com