By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing:
• A group of newly certified firefighters completed training this month to staff an engine company in Del Rey Oaks, California, reopening the unit that was previously closed.
• The recruits finished more than 800 hours of state-mandated academy training, including live fire, pump operations and emergency response skills.
• Fire department leaders say the engine company will improve response times and enhance coverage for the community.
• Officials welcomed the new firefighters at a ceremony recognizing their transition from trainees to frontline personnel.
DEL REY OAKS, CALIF. — A cohort of newly trained firefighters has completed required academy instruction and will staff a previously closed engine company in Del Rey Oaks, officials said.
The group finished more than 800 hours of training that included critical skills such as live fire attack, hose handling, ladder operations and incident command before being cleared for frontline duty.
Del Rey Oaks Fire Department leadership said the reopening of the engine company will bolster emergency response capabilities and reduce arrival times to incidents in the city and surrounding areas.
A graduation ceremony was held this week to recognize the recruits’ successful completion of training and their official assignment to the department’s roster of active personnel.
Officials said the new engine company is expected to be fully operational in the coming days as the firefighters begin regular shift assignments.