Pateros recruits train on DOCFD equipment

Harrild and Smith have been meeting daily with Pateros Fire Chief Kerry Heen to learn the ropes on some of the department’s vehicles. Last Friday, March 5, found them at the Pateros station where Harrild, 19 and old enough to legally drive the engines, practiced guiding Engine 12, one of the stations two Darley Spartan pumper trucks, through the streets of Pateros. The exercise acquaints Harrild with how to interact with passenger vehicles on the street when navigating corners, intersections, and other everyday encounters. Harrild spends her spare time training at the station and hopes to find a career in the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) ranks.

Heen set up a course of red traffic cones on the station grounds to simulate turning and backing situations to help Harrild become familiar with judging clearances with the rearview mirrors.

Smith, who is still too young to qualify as an engine driver, got some hands-on experience adjusting the engines truck-mounted fire nozzle and working with hand-held hose.

“I thought it would be fun,” said Smith of his decision to join the department. “It gives me something else to do around town.”

Smith said he would like to take a year off after high school graduation and then perhaps get into law enforcement or a fire-related career.

Other recruits from local schools include Pateros High School senior Aleeka Miller-Smith and Brewster High School students AJ Garcia and Kaitlin Garcia. Pateros High School Superintendent Greg Goodnight also volunteers with DOCFD.

Ray Sandy, a 40-year fire veteran, has been helping Chief Heen train the new crop of volunteers.