On May 5, 2008, the first Firefighter I class graduated from Abington Township (PA) Fire Department’s (ATFD) recently enhanced training facility. The 25-member class comprised of members of the ATFD as well as other local fire companies.
The latest enhancements expand the scope of training evolutions that can take place at the facility, as well as allow multiple training evolutions to take place within the building.
Originally constructed in 1957, the ATFD’s training facility first consisted of a five-story drill tower which firefighters could use for ladder evolutions, as well as search and rescue practices. In 1982, the department added two and three-story sections to the existing building. Using the latest in live-burn evolution technology, these new sections allowed ATFD members to practice fighting fires in more realistic conditions in a safe environment which meet the requirements of national standards.
In 2005, research began to enhance the training facility. The focal point of this recent enhancement involved adding an 18 ft. x 45 ft. one-story burn room. Along with the new burn room, many additional features were added to the facility including:
- Larger Area For Search Practices
- New Maze Configurations
- Additional Burn Room
- Cold Smoke Distribution System
- Burn Room Egress Doors
- Door Sweeps For Hose Advancement
- Basement Fire Access Simulation
- Upgraded Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems
- Parapet Wall Training
- Roof Ventilation Training Prop
- Roof Ladder Training Area
- Aerial Apparatus Training
- Provisions for Multiple Training Evolutions
- Solid Foundation Training Features
- Attic Operations
All ATFD fire officers have completed an orientation session for the renovated structure and are well versed in the ATFD’s policies and procedures for utilizing the facility. All training is conducted in as safe a manner as possible, and throughout the facility’s existence there have been few injuries related to training.
Larry Siefken, Fire Training Coordinator for the department, presided over the design and construction of the facility. “I am very grateful that the members of the fire department had the forethought to set aside this land in the 1950’s which has allowed this training facility to flourish over the years,” says Siefken. “This is an example of a long-term plan that continues to evolve to meet the needs of our volunteer firefighters which in turn meets the needs of the citizens they protect.”
The ATFD Fire Training Facility allows the department to host nationally certified training sessions for its new and existing members versus requiring ATFD firefighters to travel to distant training facilities. In addition to the drill tower and burn building, the training campus also provides members with a classroom building equipped with the latest in A/V multimedia technology. Two hydrants are available for pumper training evolutions, a confined space rescue simulator, and a vehicle rescue area where ATFD members can refine their techniques for rescuing trapped victims using acquired vehicles. This area can also be used for training in extinguishing vehicle fires.
The original building constructed in 1957 still stands 51 years later and continues to be a vital part of the ATFD’s commitment to providing the residents of Abington Township with a highly trained, highly motivated, professional firefighting force.
For more information, contact David Schramm, Fire Services Administrator, Abington Township Fire Department, Abington Township Fire Department, 1176 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001, (267) 536-1055, dschramm@abington.org, or visit http://www.abingtonfd.org.
