Story by Sean Link, Peyton Dixon, and Lisa Sizer

The Connecticut Fire Academy’s Introduction to the Fire Service Program offered an amazing opportunity for two members of the local community. During the heat wave from July 14 through July 20, two high school students spent a week at the Connecticut Fire Academy learning about the fire service and battling the summer heat while wearing firefighter’s personal protective equipment.

Peyton Dixon, a student at Haddam-Killingworth High School who is a junior firefighter in the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company; and Sean Link, a student at Vinal Tech High School; joined 28 other high school students from all over Connecticut who were immersed in the mission, culture, and skill sets of the fire service during the training. Students participated in physical fitness training, building self-respect and mutual respect, individual empowerment, and teamwork. Placed in team-based activities, squads and students progressed through a series of practical training focused on engine, ladder, and rescue company fire-ground operations as they learned hands-on skills in dressing a hydrant, hose advancements, search and rescue, ladder entry, and forcible entry techniques.

After a graduation ceremony to conclude the week of training, the students demonstrated their knowledge by responding to a simulated multi-story building fire, presenting the skills which they had learned. During the demonstration, Link was part of the command team, and Dixon climbed a ladder truck to assist with fire suppression and attack.