The UPFFA 2016 Fire Ops 101 was held on April 11, 2016 at the Hartford Fire Training Academy. This is a day-long event for the purpose of allowing agency administrators, elected officials and other non-firefighting personnel to experience what it actually takes to be a firefighter. Participants got some hands-on experience and left with a better understanding of the challenges and dangers that face Connecticut’s career firefighters.

UConn Health Center (UCHC) Chief Administrative Officer Carolle Andrews participated in the program and was shadowed the entire time by Firefighter/Paramedic and Union Steward Joseph Speich. Also assisting were UCHC Chief James Brown and Lieutenant/Paramedic Anthony Ruggiero.

Many members of IAFF Local S-15 and other IAFF Locals affiliated with the UPFFA assisted with fire rescue scenarios. Some of the departments that participated included: Bradley International Airport FD; Bridgeport FD; Connecticut Air National Guard FD; Hartford FD; Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS; Norwich FD; Stratford FD; Waterbury FD; UConn Health FD; and UConn Storrs FD.