Congressional Fire Service Institute’s (CFSI) Firefighter Day at The Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute
On October 6, 2023, members of the FSRI team participated in the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s (CFSI) Firefighter Day. The Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI) had participants take part in a variety of stations to obtain real hands-on experience, all while wearing full firefighting personal protection equipment (PPE). The stations included: a fire dynamics demonstration via live fire, auto extrication, flammable liquid gas prop with hoseline coordination, a ride in the tower ladder bucket, and the opportunity to crawl through the firefighter maze.
The fire dynamics demonstration with live fire conducted inside of MFRI’s burn building was extremely impactful, especially with FSRI Instructional Design Specialist Michelle Sauer. “I loved going into the fire room in full PPE. Standing in that 8000F room with the fire blazing gave me a newfound respect for what firefighters do everyday. I’m so glad I was given this behind-the-scenes look.”
The goal of the event is to help educate Congressional Staffers and raise awareness about the need for funding and continued fire safety research, as well as to allow civilians to experience the daily demands of the job. For several years, MFRI has extended an invitation to new members of the FSRI team who do not have prior fire service experience. This has had an incredible impact on our team members and has given them a new perspective of our stakeholders’ needs.
While it was only a “day” in the life, it’s clear that all participants gained insightful knowledge and experience into what firefighters go through on a daily basis. FSRI Content Specialist Amanda Srsic explained how the experience gave her a new appreciation for the work of the fire service. “So many of the activities put us in circumstances that went against human instinct. When you’re standing in a 4000F room or crawling through a dark enclosed space, your whole body is telling you to get out. And yet, no matter how hot or disoriented you feel, you have to fight that instinct and keep going. It’s amazing that firefighters have trained to fight this instinct, especially under stressful conditions and when the stakes are so high. This experience has only deepened my respect for the fire service.”