One of the largest classes of new recruits with the Wheeling Fire Department in recent history is currently going through a rigorous eight-week indoctrination training process. Soon, they’ll be assigned to one of the department’s platoon shifts.
In addition to extensive classroom time, the class must endure eight weeks of extensive training. The group not only learns safety and awareness with various firefighting skills, but also builds confidence in an occupation that requires both mental and physical toughness.
Fire suppression, vehicle stabilization and extrication, hazmat training, emergency vehicle operation and driving, hose line operation and first aid are just a few of the many topics the class must train in before becoming the newest members of the Wheeling Fire Department. Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier said some of the newest members will go on to EMS training for those who need it, while others are already EMT certified.