Illinois lawmakers among dozens to get fire training

Firefighter recruits practice "throwing ladders," or erecting them, against the side of a building during training. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers will get to live nearly every kid’s dream, being a firefighter.

Legislators and Springfield public officials are among more than three dozen trainees who will get first-hand experience in firefighting and rescue tactics next week Monday in a program called “Fire Ops 101.”

The lawmakers will be outfitted with firefighting gear and self-contained breathing equipment to learn about extrication operations, techniques in battling fires and emergency medical care.

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Springfield Fire Department and Springfield Fire Fighters Local No. 37 are sponsoring the event at a Springfield Housing Authority high-rise near downtown.

Associated Fire Fighters president Pat Devaney says the session will help public officials understand what emergency responders are up against.