Thursday, May 2, 2024
The Granbury Volunteer Fire Department has a fire academy that hosts a nine-week training program both in the spring and fall that helps area firefighters become more well-rounded. On Nov. 11, 22 new firefighters successfully graduated from the Granbury Fire Academy. The diverse group of trainees represented fire departments from Adell-Whitt, Cresson, DeCordova, Granbury, Morgan Mill and Somervell County.
Throughout the week, fire academy trainees diligently studied written materials. They also gathered at Granbury’s Fire Training Grounds for nine Saturdays, engaging in hands-on skill training sessions.
The extensive hands-on training covers a wide variety of topics including hose handling, extricating victims from wrecked cars, ladders, forcible entry, ventilation, fire science/smoke reading and various other essential firefighting techniques.
A highlight of the fire academy curriculum was the capstone exercise — battling a simulated propane tank fire. This challenging drill involved using water deluges from two large hoses to enable firefighters to approach the propane tank and manually shut off a valve.
The class valedictorian, Aaron Kreag, and salutatorian, Robert Eakins, were recognized for their outstanding achievements at graduation.
Diego Guerrero has been a training lieutenant at Granbury Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) for two years. His grandfather was a former member of the GVFD and would take Guerrero with him to visit the station. Guerrero has been with the station for a total of six years.
“It’s been rewarding just to see each student and see the organization grow as whole. It’s had a really big impact, not just on our organization but the county in general,” Guerrero told the HCN. “It’s just really cool to watch all the effects of the academy and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”
Guerrero added he enjoys teaching the wide range of students that come in and the relationships he gets to build along the way.
Carter Chance graduated with this class and enjoyed his time with the program. He hopes to become a full-time firefighter in the future.
“It was a lot of fun. We learned a lot of different things from different perspectives of guys who have been in the service for a different number of years,” Chance said. “There was a lot of challenging things they had us to do to push ourselves, but all around I definitely feel like they’ve not only made me a better firefighter, but a better person in general.”
“I find that you’re learning just as much from the students as they are learning from you, so it’s a two-way street. It’s really neat and makes it enjoyable,” Guerrero said. “I look forward to building that bond even stronger because we’ve found that training helps build cohesion and teamwork. We’ve come a long way and it’s a lot of fun.”
GVFD welcomes firefighters from other departments, fostering a foundation of knowledge and trust essential for seamless cooperation during large-scale incidents.
Guerrero noted that students come in from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex due to the Granbury Fire Academy’s extensive training and the facility’s features. He added the mentality of the department has changed and become more modernized to extend more opportunities to individuals.
One unique aspect of the Granbury Fire Academy is that it’s a certified state testing facility, so those who want to become state certified are able to do so right here in Hood County. Guerrero said although the state certification is not required, the academy encourages its students to become certified to help them in the future.
Individuals interested in learning more about the fire department or becoming a volunteer firefighter are encouraged to visit GVFD's website at GVFD.org or contact GVFD’s Station No. 1 at 817-579-1111. A clean background check and an application are required to become a volunteer.
The department always accepts donations of snacks and water as well as monetary donations. Donations may be dropped off at Station 1 located at 1701 West Pearl St. Checks should be made out to GVFD and may be dropped off at Station 1 or mailed.
