Students in the CATEC Firefighting Course took part in a "live burn" today at the Charlottesville City/Albemarle County Joint Training Facility near Monticello. This was a culminating event from their semester long training for their basic firefighting program that they take daily at CATEC.
This was an exciting experience for the students as they were able to enter a burning building (a controlled fire) and perform the steps necessary through a variety of simulations including a search and rescue operation. As the Principal, I was able to witness this experience first hand by "suiting-up" with all the equipment and taking part in the live burn myself. I gained a greater appreciation for the work that our career and volunteer fire and rescue personnel take part in on a daily basis. I also applaud the high school students for their effort in tackling the challenges of this course.
I commend Captain Bobby Elliott of the Charlottesville City Fire Department and his staff for all the work they do for our kids and the opportunities and doors that are open through these experiences. This truly is authentic school work at it's best.
