OMAHA, Neb. — A training drill in Omaha simulates a driver trapped in a crushed vehicle as firefighters work against the clock to gain access. The scenario is routine for fire science students, but fire officials say the challenge begins long before an emergency call: having enough people to respond.
Training future firefighters
Metropolitan Community College operates Nebraska’s only fire science program. It prepares students for careers in the fire service or for serving as certified volunteers in their communities.
“We prepare the next generation of first responders,” said Boomer Strawn, program director of the Fire Science Technology program at MCC.
Strawn, who previously worked as a firefighter, said the program teaches the skills needed to handle emergencies…