(Left to right): FF Jeremy Horn, FF Ryan Lopina, FF Tim McGannon, Chief Joe Falaschetti and FF Bryce Budimir
Beecher, IL – The Beecher Fire Protection District’s new firefighter training tower has received an important upgrade with a standpipe and fire sprinkler system. Thanks to product donations by Viking SupplyNet and product and labor donations by Advanced Fire Protection, Beecher firefighters will soon have hands-on training opportunities to prepare for potential building fires in the community.
The training tower’s standpipe system will not only deliver water to the small fire sprinkler system on the first floor, but also to the hose connections in the stairwell for the upper floors. Connections and hose systems can be complex, so preparing fire personnel with standpipe operations training improves every aspect of future emergency response in buildings where standpipes are installed.
Beecher Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti says this donation will improve the skills of firefighters by providing practical, firsthand training in a fixed standpipe system. “It’s absolutely incredible for us to get this donation,” he says. “It allows us to train our firefighters in Beecher, but it also allows us to train our neighboring towns as well. This donation could impact up to 250 firefighters – well beyond the 50 in Beecher – and it frees up money in the budget for other training materials.”
“Last year, NIFSAB conducted our fire sprinkler valve trailer training with Chief Falaschetti and Beecher fire crews. Now, we are furthering that education and training by having coordinated the donation of the training tower’s standpipe and fire sprinkler system for the benefit of current and future generations of Beecher firefighters,” notes NIFSAB Executive Director Erik Hoffer. “We’re thankful for such wonderful fire sprinkler industry partners that support us in supporting the fire service.”
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