Oct. 1, 2025 — Firefighter Danna continued his apparatus clearance process this week with Group 3, training on Tower 1, the department’s 95-foot aerial ladder truck.

The clearance process ensures that ladder truck drivers — often referred to as chauffeurs in fire service terminology — are capable of positioning the truck where it will be most effective during an emergency. Proper placement is vital for ventilation, rescues, upper-story access, and protection of nearby buildings.

Firefighters must also navigate challenges such as overhead wires, distance from the building, and uneven terrain when positioning the apparatus. In addition to the aerial ladder, Tower 1 carries portable ground ladders, the longest of which reaches 35 feet, offering further versatility on the fireground.

This training represents a critical step in preparing firefighters for the specialized skills required to operate ladder company apparatus safely and effectively.