Customarily firefighters spend countless hours perfecting the ultimate responsibility of driving and operating fire apparatus. Tonight Firefighter Ranck continued his effort in becoming a qualified driver/operator on Engine 44-5. Engine 44-5 is a large pumper tanker carrying 3,000 gallons of water and a 2000 gallon per minute pump for getting water to the fire scene.

Typically several hours of driving, emergency and non emergency, take place in the process of qualification. In additions a driver candidate must perform pertinent fire ground functions on the apparatus before being released to drive stag.

During tonight's training Firefighter Ranck performed street driving, supplying apparatus, receiving a water supply and flowing multiple hand lines. Prior to qualifying on our apparatus, candidates must complete a driving course designed for emergency vehicles and formal instruction on fire pumps.

All firefighters completing these task are volunteer and do this to better the service we provide to our community. Interested in driving and operating, becoming an EMT, Firefighter or Fire Police, visit helpfightfire.com, the training is free.