Battle Creek Alerts

City leaders train with Battle Creek firefighters at hands-on academy

A helmeted participant raises a gloved hand beneath cords at the opening of a wooden tunnel. Firefighters lean toward the opening from both sides.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Helping neighbors during fires, crashes and other emergencies takes training, equipment and teamwork. Four Battle Creek city leaders experienced those demands firsthand Sept. 19 during the Battle Creek Fire Department's City Commissioners Fire Academy.

Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia, Commissioners Paige Katsarsky-Smith and Patrick O'Donnell, and City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin joined firefighters for classroom discussions and hands-on exercises. The academy offered a closer look at the department's daily work, the challenges facing fire services and how our firefighters are preparing to meet the community's changing needs.

Understanding the challenges facing fire services

The day began with an overview of department operations and the emergency services our firefighters provide throughout Battle Creek.

Participants discussed challenges affecting fire departments nationwide, including hiring and keeping firefighters, lithium-ion battery incidents, changing fire behavior in modern buildings, rising equipment costs and increasingly complex emergency calls.

The discussion also covered how the department is responding through training, technology, staff development and continued investment in equipment and services.

City leaders then put that learning into practice at three training stations led by Battle Creek firefighters.

Entering buildings and searching for people

At the forcible entry and search-and-rescue station, participants learned how firefighters enter buildings during emergencies.

They then took part in a simulated rescue, navigating a confined space, locating a victim and working together to bring the person to safety. The exercise gave participants a closer look at the physical demands and teamwork involved in a rescue.

Using tools for vehicle rescues

At the vehicle extrication station, participants handled hydraulic rescue tools used to free people trapped in damaged vehicles.

Working through a simulated vehicle rescue gave city leaders a feel for the size, weight and power of the equipment firefighters use when responding to serious crashes.

Moving a hose and applying water

The hose advancement and water application station challenged participants to move a hose filled with pressurized water through a simulated indoor setting and direct water at a target.

The exercise required coordination, communication and physical effort as participants worked together to control and move the hose.

Discussing the department's future needs

The academy concluded with an informal conversation between city leaders and Fire Department staff about the department's mission, future needs and service to the community.

The classroom discussions and hands-on training helped connect those conversations to the realities firefighters face every day.

Experiences like the City Commissioners Fire Academy help strengthen understanding between city leadership and the firefighters who serve Battle Creek neighbors every day.

Photos from the Fire Academy

Commissioner Paige Katsarsky-Smith directs a spray of water outside the fire station as a firefighter kneels beside her. A red ladder truck stands to the right.
Commissioner Paige Katsarsky-Smith directs water during a hose training exercise.
Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia and Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell gather with firefighters beside a wooden training prop. One person gestures while a firefighter kneels near the group.
Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia and Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell work with firefighters beside a training prop.
Two participants in tan protective clothing face a blue door training frame while a fire department instructor stands beside them.
Participants learn about entering a building during an emergency.
City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin wears protective clothing and an air cylinder as a firefighter leans toward her hands to explain equipment. Two others stand nearby.
A firefighter explains equipment placement to City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin.
Commissioner Paige Katsarsky-Smith and a firefighter hold a rescue tool against the upper door frame of a damaged vehicle. She wears a helmet, gloves and protective clothing.
Commissioner Paige Katsarsky-Smith handles a rescue tool during the vehicle extrication exercise.

City of Battle Creek
10 N. Division St., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-966-3311 | publicinput@battlecreekmi.gov
www.battlecreekmi.gov

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