Retired Philadelphia Fire Deputy Chief James P. Smith conducted a seminar Saturday on building construction and the hazards of collapse that was held at the Penn Street Armory in the city.
An adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy, Smith, a Philadelphia firefighter for 41 years, covered a number of topics in his course, including collapse hazards at structure fires as well as operations and command considerations.
A total of 18 firefighters from the city, Montoursville, Old Lycoming Township and the Warrior Run Area Volunteer Fire Co. in Watsontown attended the seminar that was sponsored by the Central Area Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Smith was "an excellent speaker and provided good exercises" to help firefighters remain safer on the fire ground, said Montoursville Fire Chief Steve Wilson, who is association president.
City Deputy Chief David Dymeck said the association wanted to "thank the Army National Guard for their help in providing the facilities for this training. They are a great asset to our community."
