Firefighters get training
BUTLER TWP — Volunteer firefighters from New York were in Butler on Saturday to take a class on bail out training.
The crew from Stone Ridge, N.Y., was at the Rock-N-Rescue facility on Delwood Road to learn the proper ways to escape from a burning building using emergency harnesses.
The training came just days after seven Pittsburgh firefighters were injured in a Wilkinsburg house fire on New Year's Day.
Paul Bogart, chief of the Stone Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, said the training is needed for volunteer crews.
“In our area alone we recently had two guys who had to bail out without a system,” Bogart said. “One of those guys is permanently disabled with an elbow injury.”
A.J. Weinel, lead instructor, said the safety equipment for a bail out isn't a requirement for fire departments in Pennsylvania, and said many departments don't supply the equipment to their firefighters.
“Just $300 worth of equipment can save a firefighter's life,” he said.
Rock-N-Rescue makes safety equipment for emergency bail outs that is used by firefighters around the world. The company offers free training for firefighters.
“We've been all the way to Malaysia to do training,” said John Weinel, company president.
The harness is designed to attach to anything sturdy, whether it's furniture, wall frames or a windowsill.
“You never know what can happen during a fire,” A.J. Weinel said.
While the harness is used by firefighters, it's also used in industry at places like AK Steel.
“It's good for any situation you need to get someone out,” Weinel said. “Our goal is safety.”
The training at the facility lasts for six to eight hours. Numerous volunteer firefighters from around the county have attended the classes.
Brandon Perdew, another instructor, said he and Weinel have been rock climbing since they were young.“We used to play on rocks all the time,” he said. “That's how we got into climbing. Then we ventured into rescue.”While the equipment is also used for rock climbers, Perdew said the business is rewarding when helping emergency first responders.“It's good to be able to help keep people safe,” he said.
