Stepping in their boots

POST FALLS — In the 75 years of his life, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Commissioner Richard Nordstrom crossed a "first" off his list on Friday.

The senior rappelled 60 feet down the side of KCFR's four-story training structure.

"Invigorating," a wide-eyed Nordstrom said of the exercise, shortly after touching the ground. "It was an experience I've never done in 75 years. It builds your confidence — once it's over."

"I hope that I'm here to do it again when I'm 85."

Except for a slip on slick metal at the top, Nordstrom, with firefighter/paramedic Ian DeLand at his side as instructor, made the descent without any trouble.

"He recovered very well," DeLand said of Nordstrom's performance.

Off-duty KCFR Union Local 2856 firefighters spent four hours with KCFR board commissioners and office staff during a field day of hands-on activities to educate them on circumstances firefighters face and equipment needs. Exercises also included an extrication at a crash scene, an ambulance demonstration that required CPR to be performed, a victim search and forcible entry techniques.

KCFR Lt. Justin Capaul said it's the first time the agency has held such an event.

"We thought that it would be a good experience if administration saw what we use for equipment," Capaul said. "We want to be on the same page."

Capaul said the idea for the field day came up after former director of administration Samantha Babich moved on and she hadn't experienced life in the field after working with the agency about 10 years.

Nordstrom said he appreciated the education.

"Now we know when they come to us and ask for equipment we'll have a better idea of what they're talking about," Nordstrom said.

Pam Houser, who will become a commissioner in January, said wearing 75 pounds of equipment made for maneuvering challenges.

"I could barely move," she said. "I know that it's hard work, but actually doing it is something else. I have a deeper appreciation for what they do. It was a great learning opportunity. The citizens should be proud of this amazing facility that's very efficient."

Capaul said even the weather cooperated. That is, it was cold and windy, which are conditions firefighters often face.

"The weather was perfect," he said with a slight smile. "We go out no matter what."