The Choctaw Plaindealer

Being a volunteer firefighter takes a lot of courage, caring and dedication. Some of Choctaw County's volunteer firefighters are taking an extra step by participating in the Certified Volunteer firefighters course to become state certified.

In the 40-hour course, firefighters learn about all aspects of firefighting such as, types of knots, rescue, ladders, rolling hoses and much more.

Chris Simpson, associate instructor with the Fire Academy and training officer at Choctaw Fire Department, said the main purpose of this course is to learn safety.

"They understand how to operate safety at a fire scene," said Simpson.

He said firefighters live by the catch phrase, "Everyone goes home."

Chief Paul Lanthrip, Reform VFD, agrees that safety is important.

"Focus is on safety because we want to go to the next fire," said Lanthrip.

Taking this course not only helps the firefighters learn safety but also adds enthusiasm among the department.

"Really help interest among men. It has made their enthusiasm better and has helped the morale of the fire department," said Lanthrip. He said the added enthusiasm in the department will help make other men in the department, that's not participating, more interested in firefighting.

Of the many subjects the firefighters learn, Simpson said learning the ropes and knots is the hardest.

He said each firefighter has to learn eight different knots and how to apply each of them to real life situations.

He said learning the knots is important for safety uses and to build a foundation so firefighters can further their training such as in a search and rescue course.

Safety is always one of the biggest concerns in a fire department and at any emergency scene.

The biggest gain, out of this course, according to Simpson, is being prepared and safe when firefighters get that emergency call.

"They'll be prepared when the time comes," said Simpson. "They will do the job they're supposed to."

Simpson said when he teaches this class, he adds a chapter on tradition.

"For 300 years someone has called, either with a church bell or cell phone, and firefighters have responded," said Simpson.

He wants the firefighters to understand the tradition of being a firefighter.

"It's a family. It doesn't matter where you go," said Simpson.

"Good guys that give up a lot of their time. They sacrifice time with their families to save someone's life," said Simpson.

Once the firefighters complete the 40-hour training course they must first pass a written test then spend 8 hours taking skills test at the Fire Academy to become Certified Volunteer Firefighters.