During the week of June 15th, members of the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department practiced more efficient ways to save lives in the event of tornadoes, terrorist attacks, explosions, structural collapses or any number of emergency situations.

Officers spent three days traipsing through wooded White Rock Trail along Lawther Drive near Olive Shapiro Park in 90 degree temperatures.

As part of their continuing training, Dallas Fire Fighters - sporting long sleeved "Urban Search and Rescue" shirts - spent last week learning new rescue techniques and sharing them with observers and trainees from other regional departments throughout the Metroplex.

Over 3 days, teams worked within their traditional fire house shifts - 24 hours on, 48 hours off - which allows for as many personnel as possible to participate in the exercises.

According to DFRD Chief Stuart Grant, “While we’re highly trained to fight fires, prior to the Spring of 2005 we were limited in what we could do if people were trapped in a reinforced building or buried under rubble, due to a natural disaster or building collapse. We already had a team trained for confined space rescue, but we wanted to expand further and enhance our skills to better serve the citizens of Dallas."

In 2005 Dallas Fire Department Chief Steve Abraira recognized the need but realized there was no money for specialized training and the necessary equipment associated with it.

Undeterred by this lack of funding, he scraped together just enough to send a team of ten to Texas A&M University to work in conjunction with FEMA personnel and learn the tricks of the trade associated with natural disaster recovery.

Upon their return, they researched what they would need to bolster their effectiveness and then pursued multiple grants. The team secured funds from Bio Star Rescue, the Department of Homeland Security, Urban Area Security Initiatives, and the North Texas Council of Governments.

This money allowed the department to purchase the equipment they needed, as well as the vehicles necessary to deliver this equipment to the scene of any emergency situation.

Specialized gear includes search cameras, sonic devices, GPS systems, compasses, maps and charts, air hammers and drills that bore through concrete, and follow-up equipment that can permanently stabilize buildings.

They also equipped themselves with an 18-wheeler that holds everything necessary for them to be self-sufficient at the scene of an emergency disaster for 72 hours, including air bags, cribbing, tents, and all the accoutrements for a field kitchen.

The DFRD readiness doesn’t end with their sophisticated equipment. Each mission can consist of up to 42 members from many different teams including Planning, HAZ MAT, Logistics, Operations, Equipment Specialization, Medical, and K-9 units.

In fact, Dallas rigging has become a prototype, and they actively encourage and work with other Metroplex departments to follow their lead.

As Chief Grant is proud to point out, “We used to be the Dallas Fire Department. But Chief Abraira changed our name to the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department and thanks to our continuing education, that is exactly what we are.”

So on occasion, if you notice DFRD vehicles, equipment and manpower in large numbers around White Rock Trail, rest assured training exercises are underway.

For additional information about DFRD, visit http://dallasfirerescue.com.

Be sure watch for more LH Today articles coming soon about how Lake Highlands residents can learn more and help support our Dallas Fire Fighters.