Houston Firefighters Train 30 for Big Vehicle Rescues

When a school bus or massive truck crashes, firefighters face one of their most daunting challenges: pulling people to safety from vehicles that can weigh 20 tons or more.

That's why Houston River Fire Department spent half a year developing specialized training to prepare Southwest Louisiana firefighters for these critical moments. Thirty firefighters gathered in Lake Charles recently to practice rescue techniques on simulated bus and truck crashes.

"I hope this never happens, I pray to God we never see a school bus on top of a vehicle, but you never know when the call comes in," said firefighter John Heffernan. "This is going to get us prepped and ready for when the time comes."

The training pushed participants through realistic scenarios where they had to communicate quickly, work strategically, and adapt to modern vehicle technology. Some traditional rescue methods still work, but newer vehicles packed with advanced safety features and electronics require fresh approaches.

Trainer Jason Harris emphasized how these challenging scenarios force rescuers to expand their toolkit. "With new vehicles, new technology, new equipment, you know comes a lot more challenge and training," he said.

Fire Chief Dean Lappe focused especially on newer firefighters who haven't faced major vehicle extractions. During the weekend portion, crews practiced removing bus doors and cutting away entire sides of school buses to reach trapped passengers.

Why This Inspires

Beyond the technical skills, firefighters learned something equally important: staying calm under pressure saves lives. When seconds count and families are depending on you, patience and clear thinking matter as much as the right tools.

Heffernan said the experience opened his eyes. "We're learning a lot. Definitely different techniques and stuff I never would have thought of doing."

Chief Lappe believes the investment will pay dividends across the region as trained firefighters return home with new expertise. "These guys can take this information back to their departments, and I think it's going to make Calcasieu fire rescue even better," he said.

Harmon's Automotive and Towing Service supported the effort by providing heavy duty wreckers to move training vehicles into position. The collaboration between fire departments, trainers, and local businesses shows what communities can accomplish when everyone pulls together to protect lives.

These firefighters now stand ready for emergencies they hope never come, but they'll be heroes when they do.