This past weekend four members of West Mead #1 took the written and hands-on portion of the Pennsylvania Firefighter 1 Assessment. Preparation for the assessment began over a year ago with members of West Mead #1 completing Hazardous Material Training, First Aid, and CPR training. Members also had to complete the Essentials of Firefighting Curriculum and a state certified structure burn class. The Firefighter 1 test began Friday night at Perry Highway Hose Company in Erie County with a 100-question written assessment.

The next morning members met at 6:00 a.m. at the Alden Street Station to gather equipment and travel to the Franklin Center Training Facility located in Erie. Hands on evolutions began at 7:30 after registration and continued to 2:00 p.m. Each of the 4 members had to complete 11 stations including water supply, self contained breathing apparatus, search/rescue, ladders, and hose line advancement. As a result of the Firefighter 1 certification our department is eligible for additional grant money from the state of Pennsylvania.

Members taking the test completed equipment clean back at Alden Street and went home for a few hours before assisting Greenwood Fire Department at the scene of a structure fire on Mercer Pike.

West Mead #1 wishes to congratulate the following members for participating in the Firefighter 1 Certification:

  • Brad Spring
  • Rich Sheets
  • Dale Johnston
  • Brad Johnston