SAFD uses Goodfellow simulators

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Edwards
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The San Angelo Fire Department began the first of a four-part training program using Goodfellow simulators Jan. 17.

SAFD, in agreement with the 17th Training Wing, is using this opportunity to train its' 17 newest recruits on the newer and more varied Goodfellow's simulators, rather than the ones in San Angelo.

"We have a memorandum of agreement with the City of San Angelo that allows for mutual training support," said Ken Johnson, Louis F. Garland DoD Fire Academy flight chief. "It benefits Goodfellow in many ways. First and foremost, we are all citizens of this community and benefit from the exceptional service of the San Angelo Fire Department. Any opportunity we have to assist them with training benefits us all in the long run. Secondly, it is always of benefit to jointly train as there are opportunities to learn."

During the first day, the SAFD's recruits trained how to properly navigate in a confined space without light.

"There are a lot of things they need to realize while going through the obstacles, like to have confidence in their gear and in themselves," said Pete Walsh, SAFD fire training coordinator. "They have to learn to negotiate obstacles in full gear using an air canister. It's a good notch in the belt."

This training session consisted of two different courses: an attic simulator and a multileveled partner simulator.

"They were a lot of fun," said Sammy Westerman, SAFD recruit. "The attic portion was more difficult to negotiate with all your gear on, because of some of the obstacles. This was our first opportunity to do stuff like this, and it helps us realize what our job in hand is. I think it was really cool that we get the chance to come out here."

The next three SAFD training visits consist of search and rescue, tactical ventilation and learning to control structural fires using several Goodfellow simulators. Training is scheduled to take place in February and April.