SCOTTSDALE — The two firefighters in heavy-duty khaki uniforms decorated with fluorescent yellow stripes approached a tall, red tool attached to a black tripod.
The names Bruce and Schopp were emblazoned on their helmets. The red tool, officially named the StormStick was connected to a yellow fire hydrant outside the Scottsdale Fire Department Regional Training Facility.
Another firefighter wrenched open the hydrant cap. When he did, a torrent of water gushed out, slamming onto their uniforms, washing off grime and dirt. Each of the firefighters took turns using dish soap and clean water from a neon yellow bucket to scrub each other’s uniforms clean…