Local media trades in microphones for helmets

“The better the relationship can be between the fire department and the media, the better we’re going to be able to perform and be able to provide that service, and the better [they will] be able to do [their] job,” said Everitt.

Participating media persons were first taken through the basics of fire safety. They were then given the opportunity to learn about and try out some of the fire department’s gear and equipment.

The teams later experienced a number of drills within a house filled with smoke.

Everitt said through these training exercises media were able to gain a much better perspective on the situation when reporting on an actual fire.

“I think that goes to help when [they] do respond to an actual incident and [they are] standing back and observing what’s happening [they will] have a better idea what we’re doing,” said Everitt.

Everitt felt that everyone who participated had learned a lot by the end of the day.

“When we asked during the debrief what they thought there was a lot of silence and I think there was a lot of introspection as far as looking inward and realizing there’s a lot more to doing this job safely than what it may appear at times,” said Everitt.

Everitt said the fire department hopes to host this training session for media bi-annually.

— with files from Khang Nguyen

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jill Sperling

Local media trades in microphones for helmets

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