Day In The Life of a Firefighter Day In The Life of a Firefighter

Stepping into the Boot – Brentwood Borough Council Members Takes on Fire Ops 101

Brentwood Council members Erin Troup and Steve Thomas traded in their business attire for turnout gear this month as they joined firefighters from across the region for Fire Ops 101—a one-day training event hosted by the SHACOG Fire Chiefs Advisory Committee at the Mt. Lebanon Fire Training Facility.

This immersive program, modeled after a nationally recognized initiative led by the City of Pittsburgh, gave municipal officials and managers a firsthand look at what firefighters experience on the job. The goal: to help local leaders better understand the physical demands, risks, and teamwork required in modern fire service—particularly within volunteer departments.

Representing Brentwood alongside the council members were Brentwood Volunteer Fire Company Chief Rob Fialkovich and Deputy Chief Adam Hoebler, who assisted Troup and Thomas as they suited up and prepared for each scenario.

Participants rotated through six training stations: Fire Attack, Search, Ladders and Aerial, Vehicle Extrication, Medic Station, and a Classroom Session on duty shifts and fire service operations.

“We have 11 municipalities here today, and we plan to do it again next year,” said Ted Hale, Fire Chief of Upper St. Clair and Vice President of the SHACOG Fire Chiefs Advisory Committee. “Our end goal is to help officials realize what firefighters do on a daily basis—especially on the volunteer end—and how many people it takes to do the job.”

Inside the training building, council members experienced the disorienting conditions firefighters face during a real blaze.

“You see nothing—absolutely nothing,” said Steve Thomas. “You’re on your knees crawling through, trying to maneuver the best way you can. It’s incredible training.”

“It was pitch dark,” added Erin Troup. “I kind of knew what to expect, but once they opened the doors and the flames started flying, I thought, ‘I hope my life insurance policy is paid up,’” she laughed. “When you see those flames overhead, it really drives home why they tell you to sleep with your door closed. It was never more apparent—especially when we had to crawl. You could see a lot more from the floor than standing up. It was just intense.”

Fire Ops 101 proved to be both humbling and inspiring—a reminder of the dedication, training, and teamwork required to keep communities safe. Thanks to the guidance of Chief Fialkovich, Deputy Chief Hoebler, and the SHACOG Fire Chiefs Advisory Committee, Brentwood’s representatives returned with a deeper appreciation for the Borough’s firefighters and the volunteers who serve on the front lines every day.