Somers Learns Firefighting Up Close

Sen. Heather Somers joined scores of uniformed fire fighters this week at a training session held at the Hartford Fire Academy facility. Somers was suited up in professional fire gear and went through several tasks that simulated firefighting and emergency rescue operations. The event demonstrates the need to ensure fire fighters – both paid and volunteer – have the training and equipment they need to save lives.  Somers went through a “smoke house” to locate survivors, work with others on fire suppression and used various tools to remove a “driver” from a car wreck.

“I learned a great deal about the demands of this job – both physical and emotional – and why we need to support these heroes with the tools they need,” said Somers. “Firefighting looks glamorous in movies and TV but it is very dangerous and requires teamwork and attention to every detail. We should all be grateful there are men and women doing these important tasks with utter professionalism and boundless courage.”

Somers thanked Peter Carozza, Jr.,  President of the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut, Rick Hart, the groups Legislative Director and Hartford firefighters Rosemarie Cataldo and David Hayes for inviting and helping her during the training day.