A handful of Utah County leaders proved Wednesday that they can take the heat — even if just for a morning.
“I learned No. 1, I could never be a firefighter,” Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said.
Kaufusi joined other local politicians for the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy’s Fire Ops 101, the first of what’s expected to become an annual event inviting legislators to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter. Participants suited up to try their hand at car extractions, navigating a smoky trailer and driving a firetruck simulator at the academy, located at Utah Valley University in Provo.
The exercises ended with the leaders watching firefighters put out two couches they lit on fire. Participants were able to interact with firefighters and trainers from across Utah County, including hearing a presentation about the cancer risks to first responders.
The simulator included having the participants strike a fictional child that darted in front of their truck. Kaufusi was rattled by the incident, which she said will stick with her.