FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Those interested in experiencing a day in the life of a Fresno City Firefighter had the chance to suit up, climb ladders, and try their hand at life-saving measures.
On Saturday, the Fresno Fire Department held its annual Firefighter for the Day event.
“We put this on so the community members can see what it takes to become a firefighter,” said Fresno Fire Captain Kevin Reynolds.
This year, nearly 30 participants attended.
After suiting up, they broke into groups and made their way to different exercise stations.
One exercise was a mock basement search, which led participants through a tight, dark pathway where they crawled, fully suited up, while carrying a breathing apparatus.
“Kind of a recruitment tool as well,” added Reynolds.
Reynolds shared that two of their female firefighters did this same event and later joined the department.
Another exercise involved vehicle extrication, where participants used the jaws of life and axes to pry open doors and cut hinges off cars.