A group of 15 local firefighters will travel to Olomouc, Czech Republic, for international fire training later this month. This trip follows a successful visit in April, where local fire department leaders participated in training to help prepare for this larger delegation.
The trip is organized by Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions and comprises members of the fire departments for Owensboro, Daviess County, Henderson, Greenville, Airport-Sorgho, and the Fire Academy of Kentucky.
“We are excited to send six members of OFD on the Sister Cities Firefighter Exchange because of the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the fire service that includes different operational approaches and advances in health and safety,” said OFD Chief James Howard. “We expect them to bring that perspective back to guide improvements locally. The cultural exchange and the relationships that will be built on this trip will set a strong foundation for strengthening the bond between the municipalities that will pay off well into the future.”
During this training, participants will engage in hands-on exercises such as residential structural firefighting and flashover training, exposing them to advanced techniques used internationally. The trip will conclude with an on-duty experience at the Olomouc Fire Department, where they will respond to emergencies alongside local firefighters, applying their newly learned techniques in real-world situations.
“Being able to observe different techniques and strategies firsthand has opened my eyes to new possibilities and approaches that we can implement back home in Daviess County,” said DCFD Assistant Chief Eric Coleman. “It is often said that the best way to grow is through learning from one another, and this experience has truly embodied that notion. We often find ourselves so focused on local challenges that we overlook the wealth of knowledge that lies beyond our immediate surroundings. This exchange has certainly enriched my perspective and equipped me with valuable insights that will be shared in our department.”
Robert Grief with the Fire Academy of Kentucky said one of the things he’s hoping to learn more about is cancer prevention.
“Cancer is unbelievably high in the fire service in the United States,” he said. “I’ve learned the Czech Republic has a lot of cancer prevention measures to help their firefighters live a longer and healthier life by using more modern cancer prevention techniques.”
