North Charlotte Today

Charlotte Fire recently conducted an intensive training program known as "Firefighter Survival Week: Mayday, Safety, and Survival" for recruit classes 128 and 129. This training focused on preparing firefighters for life-threatening situations they may encounter in their careers.

Captain Andre Fuller, a training captain with Charlotte Fire, emphasized the importance of this week-long program. “This week is what helps us train to be ready to be proficient out on the street,” he stated. The urgency of the training was underscored by a recent incident where a firefighter was trapped during a structure collapse at a house fire on Ledger Court.

The program involved various high-stress scenarios simulating real-world emergencies. Captain James Ingold, who responded to the Mayday call at Ledger Court, shared his experiences with recruits, stressing teamwork and communication as crucial survival skills.

“This is why we do this training—it can happen,” Fuller remarked about the necessity of being prepared for such events. Recruits practiced calling Maydays and coordinating rescues under simulated conditions designed to mimic real fires.

The Ledger Court rescue served as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in firefighting. It highlighted how essential these skills are when lives are on the line. Chief Reginald Johnson noted, “When one of our own calls a Mayday, it’s not just a call for help—it’s a test of everything we’ve trained for.”

Training captains ensured that recruits left with confidence in their abilities and trust in their team members. Fuller explained that recruits were treated equally regardless of experience levels: “Our goal is to ensure they leave here with confidence—not just in their own abilities but in the team they’ll work with.”

As Firefighter Survival Week concluded, recruits carried forward valuable lessons intended to guide them through future challenges. They departed not only equipped with new skills but also imbued with the legacy of those who came before them.

“It's about being prepared for the worst so that we can ensure the best possible outcomes,” Fuller said regarding the overall objective of this critical training week.