Hook and Irons
Spotlight on FDTN - The Alamo Documentary January 01 2021, 0 Comments
One of the benefits of Hook & Irons has always been the ability to put a spotlight on parts of the fire service that reflect the best qualities of our profession. This year we decided to make a mini-documentary about The Fire Department Training Network. Located on a farm just outside of Indianapolis, Jim McCormack and his core of instructors have built the pre-eminent live fire training facility in the United States. In fact, it's really the only place you can go to train under live fire conditions in multiple building configurations. While current standards and regulations have scared most departments and certification based training programs from realistic live fire training, FDTN has pushed forward by building more props and sticking to their core philosophy, "Learn the job by doing the job." Taking a class at FDTN will not only make you a better firefighter, it will make you question whether the current training at your own department is actually preparing you for the firefights you know are coming.
As we move forward into 2021, it is my hope that the fire service will take a long, hard look at how we train firefighters in this country. We can start by listening to the men and women who are sounding the alarm.
It's with great pleasure and my sincere hope that you enjoy the video. I was honored to spend a few days with greatness.
-George