This is very cool.
| Corps of Engineers Iraq’s fire fighters are better off today than they were under the regime of Saddam Hussein’when fire service was largely ignored. Because fire fighters received little or no training, they merely contained fires. When called on to fight fires, they lacked the basic equipment their stateside brothers take for granted. Fireproof gear, hardhats, oxygen tanks and mask, even an ax were rare or nonexistent. According to Bruce Edwards, a firefighter trainer with Skylink, ‘Originally, firefighters during Saddam’s time were given all the odd jobs. Whatever anyone didn’t want to do, they got the firemen to do it.’ Skylink has instilled a lot of pride in these people and is training them extensively to operating as a qualified fire department. ‘Now, they say, ‘No. We are professionals. We will not do the odd jobs.’ They’re here to save lives and property,’ Edwards said. During Sadam’s regime, firefighters would rush to a burning building in basic street clothing ‘ shoes optional - only to face Saddam’s soldiers waiting outside the blaze. ‘If they refused to enter a structure or ran back out they would be greeted by a bullet,’ Edwards explained. Baghdad is underserved by fire stations and the services they provide. Thanks to Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Coalition Forces, Baghdad will benefit from 35 new or rehabilitated fire stations that will accommodate approximately 25 fire fighters and 11 daytime administrative staff members. ‘Not only are fire stations being refurbished, the fire fighters are taking extremely good care of them. They’re proud of their buildings and proud of their work. The stations and the fire fighters will allow for a safer Iraqi society,’ Edwards said. |
