Since the end of April, a group of citizens have joined two nights a week to learn the ins and outs of becoming a first responder in Clay County. Known as FREA – First Responder Experience Academy – the program encompasses local law enforcement, EMS, dispatch, and the fire department. For a total of six weeks, participants received hands-on training from first responders: two weeks with the Clay Center Police and Clay County Sheriff’s Departments, two weeks with the Clay Center Fire Department, and two weeks with EMS.
They learned skills like how to repel, wore real safety gear, learned what it was like to pull over a suspect, and more.
Participant Jason Kain said he signed up for the program for something to do, and a way to meet people in the community. He moved here last year when he and his wife relocated from New York state. They also have a 1-year-old son.
“I was bored sitting at home,” said the stay-at-home Dad. “I have always wanted to be a police officer but never had the time or money.” Kain was in college when the pandemic hit, and he stopped pursuing law enforcement as a career.
“When I heard about this program, I thought it would still be fun to know what they do,” he said.
Of the training, he said it was incredibly realistic and more difficult than he had imagined, even when considering a career in law enforcement.
“When you actually get to do what they do, it’s really hard,” he said. “It’s insane some of the stuff they have to do. They keep insanely fit and are ready to go, then they have extremely long hours. It’s like being in the military.”
Now getting insider training, Kain said he has more respect for what first responders do in each emergency, and every day training just trying to prepare for whatever may come their way.
Kain referenced a training simulation where FREA participants put on fire suits, air tanks, and drug a hose through a building, all while trying to conserve their oxygen.
“It’s a commitment and a struggle,” he said. “Plus the equipment isn’t made for them, it can be too tight or too loose, then they have to crawl around in a dark building. it’s insanely hard to do something like that.”
Though four days isn’t much time to immerse oneself in a field, it does show participants what first responders deal with on a daily basis. In addition, Clay Center is the smallest community that Kain has lived. At first he said it gave him pause, thinking there may not be enough help on hand in the event of an emergency. However, the program has gave him peace of mind to learn more about the community he and his family live within.
“I think it’s really good to connect with your local emergency services and get to interact with them,” he said. “Eventually, when you do know them, it’s not like you’re meeting a stranger.”
Organizing officer Scott Fischer said the program will continue as long as there is interest. Residents can inquire at the Law Enforcement Office about upcoming dates.
