FAIRFIELD — Before 17-year-old Casey Childress picked up the Jaws of Life tool, he wondered if it would bring back memories of an August 2001 accident when the tool was used to cut him out of his car.

Firefighters Chris Theders (left) and Tom Wagner watch as Fairfield High student Brandon Puckett uses one of their tools to cut a pillar on a car, simulating a rescue procedure. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        Instead, it gave the Fairfield High School senior an appreciation of what firefighters do and a desire to join the fire department's Explorers post. Casey and his classmates donned the firefighters' protective turnout gear Thursday and used tools to cut the windshield of a Buick Skylark and pry open a door. It was part of a pilot class that partners the high school with the Fairfield Fire Department.

        “It was a good experience,” Casey said after using the tool. “I thought it would bring back memories from the accident. They had to cut my car open. I had a broken hip, jaw and ribs. Ever since then, I've been thinking about it.”

        Classmate Jordan Smith, 17, said it was a little harder to use the equipment than he had expected.

        “You have to let the machine do the work,” said Jordan, a junior. "It slips sometimes and you have to find the perfect spot.”

        The class began four months ago and will continue — and possibly expand — next year, said teachers Judy Campbell and Lee Ann Forte.

        “We structure the class around the subjects in the Adult Fire Academy,” said firefighter/paramedic Chris Theders, who works weekly with the students, even on his off days. “We make it hands-on. It gives them an option of something to do after graduation.”

        Sophomore Idalia Silva didn't think she would enjoy going to the fire department. And although she doesn't like the classroom part, she has enjoyed learning how to use a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire and other activities.

        “I thought it was going to be really boring, but it's great,” said Idalia, 17 “I liked wearing the clothing and going into the smoke house.”
       

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