DDPS conducts Rescue, SWAT, Fire Training

The Daleville Department of Public Safety conducted several training exercises for its different emergency response units during the week of March 10-14.

On March 10, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team practiced tactical operations such as advanced firing techniques, room clearing exercises and other team-based drills in various simulated crisis scenarios. SWAT team members take turns planning bi-monthly training sessions, which remain unknown to the other officers in order to maintain an element of  real-life surprise.

“We try to practice both basic and advanced skills,” said Daleville officer Noah Suiter, who planned this week’s session. “It’s important to get back to basics in training.”

The officers train with M-4s and Glock 22s in live fire exercises. In order to be a member of the SWAT team, officers must shoot with at least 90 percent accuracy, which is 20 percent above the state’s standard for police officers. 

“We shoot to a higher standard,” said SWAT Team Lt. Kenny Jackson. “These guys are a step above everyone else,” he said, referring to the ten members of his elite team. 

On March 11, the Daleville Rescue Squad conducted training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and other first responders. EMTs participate in monthly realistic rescue exercises, such as staged vehicle collisions, in order to maintain their certification.

For this week’s training, EMTs responded to a simulated two-car collision. The responders were provided with a brief summary of each victim’s initial injuries and medical status. They then assessed the accident scene, evaluated the patients’ vitals and prepared them for medical transport. The training also tested the EMTs’ ability to carefully remove patients of all body types in the small, cramped spaces they often encounter in the real world.

“We train for real-life,” said Daleville Rescue Squad Lt. Willy Powell, adding that the EMTs must be prepared to work quickly and efficiently under any circumstances.

On March 13, the Daleville Fire Department held a fire extinguisher class and demonstration as a part of a fire safety-training program for employees of FlightSafety International in Daleville. Employees learned the basics of proper fire extinguisher use, including the acronym PASS, which stands for the four-step process of using a fire extinguisher: pull pin, aim at base of fire, squeeze handle, and sweep hose from side to side.

Employees also received instruction on how to check and repair the extinguishers in their building in order to ensure their functionality in an emergency. Several fire extinguishers were available for employees to view, hold, and at the end of the class, actually practice using. 

“Knowing how to use this piece of equipment and use it effectively is worth a million dollars,” said Assistant Fire Chief Robert C. Jackson. “You can save lives–it’s probably the most important knowledge you can have.”