By Roger A. Steger Jr.
Using rotary saws for metal cutting, forcible entry, is a needed skill. It takes a bit of experience to become comfortable, and more efficient with this skill. Commercially fabricated metal cutting props are extremely valuable for the opportunities that they provide, but can also be expensive. For individual fire stations, or departments to buy may be unrealistic.
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To afford our firefighters the ability to get proficient and comfortable with these skills, we can use some ingenuity and craftsmanship. By using items that are easily obtained from local hardware stores and such, we can build a less expensive alternative. We cannot duplicate all of the same items found on the more elaborately fabricated models, but we can develop the skills of our firefighters.
The ability to actually cut metal in varying positions during drills or as part of the apparatus/equipment checks will make the firefighters and their companies combat ready.
One of the biggest components is to become intimately familiar with the rotary saw(s) that your department carries. Always maintain safety as a high concern when operating with and around rotary saws.
Roger A. Steger Jr. is the deputy chief of the Kentland (MD) Volunteer Fire Department and an instructor for Traditions Training, LLC.
