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Extrication Training Weekend in honor of Fire Chief/Firefighters
Son
Click Here for Photo Gallery
Whitney Point, NY – The First Annual Hayden M.
Shear Memorial Training Weekend was held on Saturday and Sunday
Sept 19th and 20th 2009. Over 100
firefighters from across New York and Pennsylvania attend the
extrication class. During the class over 80 cars were used for
extrication training.
Choconut Center Fire Chief Randy Shear and
Firefighter Samantha (Sam) Lindow started the training weekend
in memory of their 5 ˝ month old son Hayden M. Shear who passed
away unexpectedly March 7, 2009. “Sam and I wanted to do
something to keep the memory of Hayden always present. During
our tragedy, it was our brother and sister firefighters who were
there by our sides to get us through the day”. Chief Shear
said.
In 2006 Chief Shear attended the Crash Course, an
advanced extrication training class offered by Howell Rescue
Systems out of Kettering, Ohio. The class impressed Chief Shear
and he contacted the company to see if they can do the class in
New York. Howell brought in instructors from around the nation
to conduct the training. Firefighters from Choconut Center,
Whitney Point, Castle Creek all worked together to support the
class with the planning and manpower for the event.
During the weekend the students rotated through
10 different scenarios/classes that were set up around the dirt
track and infield of the Broome County Fairgrounds in Whitney
Point New York. The hands on scenario-based pits had vehicles
on their sides, roofs and over a construction barrier. Other
scenarios included a vehicle under a tractor trailer, severe
side impact, advanced vehicle stabilization, pneumatic lifting
bags and air hammer use in extrication. A Toyota Prius and
factory trained representative was on hand to review the
construction and hazards of hybrid vehicles.
The Choconut Center Fire Company hosted the event
and had all the firefighters and instructors gather for a
kickoff diner on Friday night and a barbeque at their firehouse
on Saturday night. The evening gatherings were a great place
for the students to exchange stories, experiences and contact
information for the new friendships that were started.
For more photos from this year’s class and
information on next year’s class go to Choconut Center Fire
Companies website cc57fd.com or Howell Rescue Systems website
howellrescue.com |
