09/08/2026
The Beaver Dam Fire Department’s newest recruits continued building their knowledge and hands-on skills during Days 4 and 5 of Recruit Academy.
Day 4 began with classroom instruction on building construction. Recruits learned how construction types, building materials, structural components, and fire conditions can affect firefighting operations, tactical decisions, structural stability, and firefighter safety.
The recruits then traveled to the BDFD Training Center for hands-on forcible-entry training. They practiced sizing up entry points, identifying inward- and outward-swinging doors, selecting the appropriate tools, and properly positioning those tools to force entry. Recruits worked on striking, prying, gapping, setting, and forcing techniques using the halligan and flathead axe. Training also emphasized trying the door before forcing it, maintaining control of the door, effective communication between team members, safe tool handling, and working together efficiently under realistic conditions.
Day 5 focused on ground ladders and vertical ventilation. Recruits practiced several ladder carries and deployment techniques, including positioning ladders for access to windows and roofs. Training emphasized safe and efficient ladder placement, proper climbing angles, and the ability to deploy ladders with limited staffing.
During vertical-ventilation training, recruits practiced safely accessing and operating on a roof, identifying hazards, sounding the roof, and using saws and hand tools to create ventilation openings. Training emphasized safe roof operations and the importance of coordinating ventilation with interior fire-attack and search crews.
These two days gave our recruits additional tools for safely accessing, operating around, and working above fire buildings. They continue to build confidence, teamwork, and the fundamental skills necessary to serve our community.
