While we have all been participating in family gatherings and festive activities during this holiday season, significant training has been held during the month of December by the Sugar Land Fire Department. The training was implemented for all firefighters by the Professional Development Division. The fire crews have been attending an offsite training facility during the night for multi company fire, rescue and suppression training.

“The object of this training is to prepare our firefighters with the skills and knowledge necessary to overcome the unforeseen that can occur on any emergency response day or night,” according to Battalion Chief Roy Mercer.

Sugar Land firefighters also have participated in after-accident vehicle stabilization training and a new fire truck familiarization program for drivers. The program ensures that all driver operators (or qualified alternates) are not only familiar with the fire truck at their respective station but also any other fire engine or ladder truck within the department. This allows for added flexibility in staffing and could ultimately provide significant budget savings when someone is unexpectedly off of work.

The timing of this new program coincides with the addition of a new ladder truck for Fire Station #4. This 100-foot aerial ladder truck is an important safety feature for our city, as we have added a number of mid- and high-rise buildings within the last decade. In addition to a number of supplementary safety features, the pertinent specifications of this new piece of equipment are as follows:

• Crimson- Heavy Duty Aerial Ladder Truck

• 2,000-gallon-per-minute pump capacity

• Full complement of ground ladders

• Safety backup camera for driver

• 500-gallon water tank

We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that your New Year is safe and healthy!

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