Tagged: Lafayette Fire Department

The Lafayette School Corporation and the city’s fire department are partnering on a firefighter and E-M-T training program for high school juniors and seniors.

Students taking part would spend half their school day learning the necessary skills for such a career. Fire Chief Richard Doyle says a similar curriculum is offered at other Indiana high schools.

He says Ivy Tech is part of the effort too, allowing students to earn dual credits.

Lafayette’s newest fire department captain has some experience coming into the position.

Joseph Barker was sworn-in Wednesday as captain of Fire Station Two. The 22 year veteran of the department says he’s glad to return to its management ranks.

“I’m very anxious and looking forward to starting at my new position at (Station) Two. I’m staying on the C-Shift, so I know all the guys that are down there – a great group of guys.”

The arid conditions are forcing a ban on fireworks in Lafayette.

The Fire Department is forbidding their use as part of the city’s burn ban.

Officials say the move is necessary to reduce the likelihood of grass and brush fires.

The ban is in effect through Thursday, June 28th, but if the dry conditions remain, it may be extended.

Officials say if it does go longer, residents should attend public fireworks displays and avoid personal use around the Fourth of July holiday.

The Assistant Chief of the Lafayette Fire Department says the use of meth continues to be a growing problem in the area.

Mike Blann says the dangers of the drug aren’t limited to those who use it because the chemicals used to make meth are toxic.

Blann says an exercise today at the Lafayette Fire Department’s Training Center was designed to give emergency responders tools to safely investigate and clean up these sites.

Several agencies participated in the training, including the District 4 Hazardous Materials team and the Indiana State Police.

A pair of Korean companies is showing what their technology can do to help local firefighters.

HoyaRobot and DRB have built robots used to fight fires.

HoyaRobot’s device is a small one that uses a camera to help find people trapped in a burning building.  DRB’s is designed to go into a blaze and spray water to reduce the risk for firefighters.

Lafayette Fire Chief Richard Doyle says the technology has great potential for the department in the future, particularly to fight larger fires.