Saturday August 16th marked the third and final day of an Aerial Apparatus Operations course that the Malvern Fire Company hosted for our members and neighboring fire fighters. For the two previous Tuesday evenings students had classroom lectures on a variety of topics including aerial apparatus construction, types, placement, setup and safety.

The final session was a day long session where students put their new knowledge to work. With Ladder 4 out of service for maintenance, our friends at Delco Station 41 (Newtown Square) and Delco Station 46 (Rocky Run) provided their aerials for use. Students practice setting up the outriggers, flying the main ladders, and flowing water with elevated master streams.

The class provided valuable knowledge to new apparatus operators and a great refresher for more experienced operators. The skills taught will be used at emergencies in the future to ensure safe, quick and effective operation if the aerial is required for fire fighting or rescue operations.

The Malvern Fire Company requires this formal course from the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy for all apparatus operators wishing to operate our aerial, Ladder 4. This highlights our commitment to providing professional services through both in house and formal Fire Academy training.