AUSTIN, Texas - Not all drivers turn around during inclement weather so the Austin Fire Department prepares for the worst. Swift water rescues are one of many exercises firefighters take.
On Saturday at AFD Station 31 in West Austin, participants of Pass the Torch Academy got a glimpse of the action. The six-month program gives participants a first-hand feel of life in the fire service.
"This allows them to say 'Is this something that I can do? That I want to do, and that I'm willing to do?',” said Captain Greg Pope. “And after that, we do have a lot of them apply. I believe about 90 percent of this class has actually applied to our current hiring process."
After learning how to use a jet ski to save swimmers or simulating vehicle extrications, students quickly learn the job is even harder than it looks.
“You don’t ever envision that the water is going to be that strong and once it actually picks up, it just will push you away,” said Erin Carroll, one of 33 participants in the program.
The activities are physical and require just as much mental strength.
"It was a lot of work trying to plant yourself down and trying to hold on to everybody,” said Mikayla Schroeder.
“There's a lot of times when you want to give up and quit, but really if you just tough through, it you know you can get it done if you put your mind to it,” said Brock Arnold Austin Barlow.
Pass the Torch Academy ends in August, but some students in this year’s class have already made up their minds about their futures.
“I’m currently in the hiring process, waiting on results right now,” Schroeder said.
“I know that this is what I really genuinely want to do,” Carroll said.
The Pass the Torch Academy has been around for 15 years. The Austin Fire Department will be accepting applications for the program this fall and interviews will be in January.
For more information visit, the Join AFD website.