County firefighters adapt to train in pandemic
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Girardville firefighters attend a Zoom class as a group at the Rangers Fire Co. in Girardville on March 2, 2021.
GIRARDVILLE – The coronavirus pandemic has impacted just about every facet of life, and firefighter training is no exception.
In a typical year, Schuylkill County’s volunteer firefighters, both current and prospective, attend classes in-person as one group, either at firehouses or the Schuylkill County Emergency Services Training Center in the Frackville Industrial Park.
The programs include both lectures in a classroom setting and hands-on experience at the “fire school.”
Since the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020 and precautions, restrictions, and guidelines were put in place, training programs were put on hold as social distancing was difficult.
Though, recently, the programs have resumed, following the lead of local schools, municipalities, and universities in utilizing modern technology to meet virtually.
Tuesday night, about 36 volunteers from across the county gathered on Zoom for the Essentials of Firefighting class. Some volunteers attended as a socially-distanced group at their own firehouse, or from their own home.
At the Rangers Hose Company in Girardville, four volunteers — Sharona Pentz, Wesley Long, Zack Kessler, and Cody Wagner — attended class from the social room of the firehouse.
“Some fire companies are getting together like this, they’re still socially distancing, we’re still wearing our masks, but at least it gives it some sense of classroom,” Rangers Lt. Michael Zangari said. “They’re able to work together and through the Zoom program, we’re actually able to still allow for that classroom atmosphere. They can still ask questions.”
Zangari said hands-on training and test-taking are still at the training center, but in smaller groups, with proper precautions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing.
Tuesday’s class, Zangari said, is part of a six-month, four-part training program. The class is working through the second part, fireground support, he said, with the other parts being introduction to the fire service, exterior firefighting, and interior firefighting, as well as hazardous materials awareness.
“In order for these folks to be considered interior firefighters, at minimum, they must complete essentials, hazardous materials awareness and operations, and a structural burn class at the end,” Zangari said. “They’re going at pretty much the same rate they would if they were in a classroom.”
The class is being taught by Asst. Chief Kevin Sibbett, Pottsville, and is held in conjunction with Bucks County Community College.
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