Firefighters from the Pasadena Fire Department are undergoing a tree-felling training program that would allow them to be certified as “fallers,” highly skilled chainsaw operators who specialize in the safe felling of hazardous snags and burning or damaged trees. Pasadena Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Frieders pointed out that nationwide, at least two firefighters were killed last year from falling branches. “This training gives our firefighters a higher level of situational awareness when called upon to battle wildfires,” Frieders said. The training program makes use of tree-removal operations scheduled by the Parks and Natural Resources Division (PNR) which presents an opportunity for fire department personnel to practice operating chainsaws and felling trees safely. The training is conducted In cooperation with the City’s Department of Public Works.