Torch Training

Last Thursday night members of the Buckhannon fire department trained with a cutting torch in preparation for Saturday's area wide drill. The cutting torch unit is a seldom used but valuable tool in our arsenal of cutting devices. A guest trainer, Mr. Logan Lamb, was invited to instruct the fire fighters in the proper use of the cutting torch. Mr. Lamb discussed proper procedures for setting gas cylinder regulators before and after cutting, proper safety equipment and cutting techniques for various metals and shapes.

In the inserted image, Mr. Lamb observes and guides firefighter Joey Baxa cutting pipe. The purpose of this blog is many fold. The obvious purpose is to highlight ongoing training activities that add to the skills of your local firemen.

A second, less obvious but equally important purpose, to highlight some of our local education success stories. Our school system, similar to city council, has heard from time to time, the cry of 'improvement needed'. While there are always areas needing improvement, success stories often take a back seat to more pressing topics. The guest trainer, Logan Lamb, is a 2010 graduate of Buckhannon High School and the welding program at Fred Eberle Technical. Mr. Lamb was the gold medal winner in the local welding SkillsUSA competition and placed second at the state SkillsUSA competition with a silver medal. Mr. Lamb provided an interesting and entertaining hour of training and carried conversation like a seasoned professional. Every student brings their own personal drive to their educational experience. Hats off to the Eberle program for inspiring students like Mr. Lamb. Mr. Lamb will be attending the Hobart Welding Institute in August.

If its not obvious by now, the last purpose of this blog is bragging rights. Logan is my step son and I am very proud!!!