For 24 hours this weekend, eight residents of State College were able to step into the very large boots of members of the Alpha Fire Co.
The fire company held its "Firefighter for A Day" program, in which the residents were able to get a taste of what being a firefighter entails.
"We give them the opportunity to try it," said fire company Capt. Andrew Prestia.
The program, which ran from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday when the participants "graduated," provided experience in a variety of firefighting skills and an introduction to the working environment.
"It's as real as we train," Prestia said.
The stations included instruction in vehicle extraction, simulated vehicle fires and navigation through a smoke maze using a self-contained breathing apparatus.
"They also got to see what it's like to not get any sleep," Capt. Tony Berrena said.
The participants were on call and rode out in their own vehicle for three calls on Friday night, he said.
Richard Stout, Class of 2008 and an active member of the company, invited his father, Bill Stout, to participate in the program.
"It gives me a little better appreciation for what Richard does," Bill Stout said.
As an all-volunteer company, connections with the community are an important goal, Prestia said.
Berrena said the program, which usually runs twice a year, is also an important part of the recruiting process and is worth the investment of providing meals and training over the 24-hour period.
The investment is small compared to the cost of outfitting a new member of the station, Berrena said. It usually costs about $8,000 for just one new member, he said. He said that allowing members of the community to see what it is like to be a firefighter helps potential company members determine if they are ready for the commitment.
Though the program is a substantial commitment, it has consistently run well, Prestia said.
Eric Siegenthaler, a resident and participant in the program, said that although the program took a lot of hard work, it was enjoyable.
"It was great getting up in the morning, 4 a.m., running down here, sirens going," Siegenthaler said.
