Video Journalist: Angela Fowler
Chatham, VA. - Southside Volunteer Fire Departments had a training session Saturday to prepare their heroes for duty.
Before heading out, the two teams met up and discussed the day's events. Then the Chatham & Blairs Volunteer Fire Departments conducted a training session resembling an actual fire.
They broke through walls, battled smoke and saved a life.
Officials say they have in-station training once a week and a simulated structure fire once a month.
Their volunteers range in age from 16 to the 87-year-old fire chief. About six of the guys were brand new and will have to complete the same training as a paid firefighter.
"We train the way we do so that when you are in a situation it's not unfamiliar to you", said Travis Wood, the training officer for the Chatham Volunteer Fire Dept.
