Training is an on-going process for the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department. Recently the department held an all-day training. The focus of the training was how to remove a person trapped in a vehicle following a collision.</p><p>Chowchilla Volunteer Firefighter Captain Dave Hebert led the training. Madera County Station 2 and Madera County Station 5 located at the Central California Women's Facility also participated in the training.</p><p>Hebert said the ultimate goal of Saturday's training was to safely remove a trapped victim from a vehicle using the proper tools as quickly and efficiently as possible.</p><p>The equipment used in the training session was the Jaws of Life, spreader, and some hand tools. Part of the equipment was purchased with grant money.</p><p>Part of the training focused on the vehicle's air bags. Hebert explained the difficulties involved when working with air bags that haven't been deployed.</p><p>Firemen were trained in cutting a door off a vehicle safely, how to stabilize the vehicle and how to best use the equipment available.</p><p>A barbecued lunch was served to those participating in the training. Firefighter Frank Borba was in charge of the barbecue.</p><p>The Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department holds regular training meeting the last Thursday of each month. Special all-day training sessions are held as often as schedules permit.</p><p>All volunteer firemen are required to attend the majority of the training sessions. They also hold monthly business meetings on the second Thursday each month.</p><p>Special all-day training sessions are scheduled for March and in April.</p><p>The April 17 training will be conducted by Firefighter John Kirwin's two sons. The training will be held at the airport. The focus will be how to put out an airplane crash fire.</p><p>Kirwin's sons are both retired from the Air Force and will travel from back east for the training.</p><p>There are currently 15 volunteer firemen in the department. They are led by Fire Chief Harry Turner. Volunteers include: Assistant Chief, Matt Myers; Captain Jimmy Wood, Captain Dave Hebert, Firemen, Frank Borba, Charlie Wood, Paul Wood, Justin White, John Telford, John Kirwin, Fred Gaumnitz, Brandon Belt, Harold Watson, Steven Turner and Keith Burns.</p><p>"It was a good training," stated Hebert. "It was good to work together with other departments. It definitely helps build a healthy camaraderie between departments."