Are You Qualified to Drive? From the Editor’s Desk

Several years ago, my fire department asked me to become involved with their driver qualification committee. Having served as a certified NYS Driver Education Instructor for 20-years, I felt I would enjoy being part of our Emergency Vehicle Operation course. So, for two full days I attended EVOC training that was provided through my department's insurance company. When I returned home, our chief set up a full committee to implement following the guidelines set forth by VFIS. The recommended guidelines included classroom time, a competency course, and a road course.

The training started with in-class instruction. Our insurance company provided us with a thumb drive that contained numerous videos and lessons for presentation to our students. I should point out that even our seasoned drivers had to participate in the class. It was the seasoned drivers who added and shared their experiences with the younger drivers. Their real-life experiences added realism to the in-class lesson. It should also be noted that this course was to be given every other year. Our committee decided that since new drivers were always being added to the list, we would present an updated lesson throughout the year at department meetings.

In addition to classroom learning, all drivers had to take the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle

Operator Course). This course soon became known as the “cone-course.” Since we marked the parking lot with paint, it was easy to set up the cone course throughout the year. Once the member finished the EVOC course, we left the parking lot to go on a road course. The course challenged the thought process of the driver. Our fire district has a few railroad crossings and railroad overhead tracks that have the maximum height requirement marked on the overpass. We made it a point to stop and take note of the maximum height requirement. Since our vehicles are marked in plain sight with that measurement in the cab of the truck, students know they must share that measurement with the evaluator.

In general, the course we set up was approved by our Board of Fire Commissioners. We are into this program for several years now, and we are continually tweaking the program so it stays current. If a driver leaves the department and comes back a few years later, it is easy to take a standardized road-test to re-familiarize the driver on the trucks on which he used to be qualified. Usually, the individual is fine with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Remember that all emergency vehicle operators should take EVOC. I also encourage officers to take the VFIS course to Train the Trainer.

Are we finished? Well not exactly. EVOC is a program that shows the chauffer how to safely operate the piece of equipment that is being driven. PERIOD! Further training is needed to learn how to safely operate at a working call. What 's next? Read John Salka’s article on The Engine Company Chauffer: Part 1 The article is in the July 1997 Firehouse Magazine

Getting our responders safely to a call is important. Knowing what to do when you arrive on scene is equally as important.

Drive Safe!

- Dennis

7 Dead in West Reading Explosion/Collapse

On March 24, 2023, at around 1700 the Berks County Communications Center sent West Reading and surrounding companies to the RM PalmerCompany located on South 2nd Avenue in West Reading fora reported explosion. The first arriving units were met with heavy fire conditions and people trapped in the rubble. In total fouralarms were struck, bringing in many Berks County companies. The main body of the fire was knocked down within three hours. Crews spent hours dousing flare ups and checking forhot spots. Crews remained on scene searching fortrapped victims. Resources from Pennsylvania’s USAR Task Force 1 were requested and they worked fordays locating victims trapped beneath the rubble. Despite the efforts of all of the crews on scene, seven people perished in the explosion.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Debris Fire in Butler

On April 14, 2023, around 1217, Butler911 dispatched Station 3 (Butler Township Fire District) to East Jefferson Street ButlerCounty fordebris on fire. Ambulance 83-1 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department) was clearing ButlerHospital at the time of call and arrived on scene. Command 3 requested Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire) to assist. City fire units arrived and put out the fire.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak