The Knoxville Fire Department partnered with the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau last weekend to host a free training weekend for 128 firefighters from 41 departments across the Midwest at the soon to be demolished VA campus.

Firefighters practiced forcible entry techniques, with over 500 repetitions completed. They cut approximately 300 holes in various roof types to practice vertical ventilation, increasing survivability of potentially trapped victims. They also performed search and rescue skills. Chief Cal Wyman tells KNIA/KRLS News it was invaluable for these firefighters to have the ability to search a variety of different sized rooms with varying layouts and configurations, advancing their speed and agility to victims more quickly.

The Knoxville Fire Department would also like to thank the numerous sponsors and community partners that donated supplies, food, water, and time.