Training

The firefighters in the drill class are referred to as "Probies", which is short for probationary firefighter. The daily training would require them to use the Pompier ladder (also referred to as the scaling ladder) to climb from the ground up to the top of the drill tower. 

After reaching their assigned window the training chief would call to the probies to lock in (attach the ladder belt carried around their waist and clamp onto the beam of the ladder) and lean out. This procedure was utilized to build confidence in the equipment and eliminate fear of heights. The use of the pompier ladders was discontinued around 1974.

Live shots of this training will be available soon on DVD & VHS at the online store!

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