In the Field
Alyeska firefighters pass State Fire Exam

The Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) and city of Valdez are safer because VMT Fire Brigade members Justin Major, Melissa Metzger, Ryan Wade and Ken White earned their Fire Fighter Level 1 certificates in July.

“Their training covers all of the essential firefighting skills, everything from using an axe to knock down walls and ventilate rooms to techniques for safely entering and exiting contained areas,” said Robert Carlton, VMT fire chief.

The four VMT firefighters entered the Alaska fire-service training program in April to prepare for state firefighter-certification exams. The training program covers vital firefighting and emergency response skills, from the basics of donning protective clothing and rolling up hose, to advanced fire-team techniques for attacking and extinguishing fires.

The VMT fire brigade is the primary emergency responder for marine terminal-related incidents. It has a joint response agreement with the Valdez Fire Department and the two fire departments back one another up when necessary.