Training for Survival: Charlotte Fire’s Fight Against the Unknown
Published on December 17, 2024
Charlotte Fire recruits simulate life-saving radio calls, understanding that quick, clear communication can mean the difference between life and death.
By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire
When the fire is extinguished and the scene is secured, one reality remains: firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. This week, Charlotte Fire reaffirmed its commitment to preparedness, conducting an intensive “Firefighter Survival Week: Mayday, Safety, and Survival” for recruit classes 128 and 129. This training wasn’t just theoretical—it was infused with a sense of urgency, shaped by a Mayday call that shook the department only months ago.
Captain Andre Fuller, one of Charlotte Fire’s training captains, shares critical lessons from Firefighter Survival Week with recruits.
Training captains like Andre Fuller were among the many dedicated instructors guiding recruits through this rigorous program, ensuring that the department’s newest members gained the skills needed to navigate the most perilous moments of their careers. “This week is what helps us train to be ready to be proficient out on the street,” Fuller explained. “It’s the only time we actually focus on ourselves as firefighters because we always put the public first.”
A Mayday That Hits Home
Firefighter Survival Week came just months after one of Charlotte Fire’s own was trapped during a structure collapse at a house fire on Ledger Court. That harrowing Mayday and the dramatic rescue that followed underscored the importance of this type of training. For the department’s experienced firefighters, it served as a sobering reminder that no amount of experience can eliminate the risks of the job.
Captain James Ingold, a key responder during the recent Mayday rescue, reinforces the importance of teamwork and communication as recruits from Class 128 and 129 learn life-saving survival techniques. His experience brings a powerful lesson to the next generation of Charlotte firefighters.
“This is why we do this training—it can happen,” Fuller said, reflecting on the rescue. “And since we had that situation, it hit home a whole lot more, especially for us as instructors. We knew the people involved.”
While the recruits weren’t on the front lines during the Ledger Court rescue, some of the instructors were. The gravity of that event added weight to every simulation during Survival Week, turning every exercise into more than just a drill—it was preparation for the reality of the job.
Captain James Ingold, who responded to the real-life Mayday call earlier this year, shares his expertise with recruits during Firefighter Survival Week, emphasizing the critical skills needed to survive and rescue others in a fireground emergency.
Teaching the Tools for Survival
The training involved a range of high-stress scenarios designed to mimic real-world emergencies. From navigating tight spaces to rescuing fellow firefighters, the recruits learned techniques that could one day save lives. This year’s training included an evolution simulating multiple downed firefighters, forcing recruits to make quick decisions in chaotic, life-or-death conditions.
Charlotte Fire recruits exit a smoke-filled structure, reinforcing their training on survival techniques under intense, real-world conditions.
“We want to make sure once they leave here that they have a basic understanding of how to get someone else out, protect themselves, and call a Mayday if they’re ever trapped or running low on air,” Fuller explained. “It’s about knowing it’s okay to call for help—for yourself or someone else.”
The Ledger Court rescue provided a stark example of the stakes involved. The trapped firefighter survived because his crew relied on skills just like those being taught during Survival Week. It’s a testament to the department’s commitment to preparedness and to each other.
A Culture of Resilience
For many recruits, Firefighter Survival Week is their introduction to the physical and emotional challenges of the job. For experienced firefighters, it’s a chance to reinforce the muscle memory that will guide them through the most dangerous moments of their careers.
Recruits from Charlotte Fire Class 128 tackle realistic survival scenarios, ensuring they’re prepared for the critical moments when lives are on the line.
The training also serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that defines the fire service. Fuller emphasized that even with varying levels of experience among the recruits, they approach the training as equals. “We treat everyone at a base level and build them up from there,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure they leave here with confidence—not just in their own abilities but in the team they’ll work with.”
Leadership’s Commitment to Preparedness
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson underscored the importance of training like Survival Week, particularly in light of the Ledger Court rescue. “When one of our own calls a Mayday, it’s not just a call for help—it’s a test of everything we’ve trained for,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure every firefighter has the tools and confidence to meet those moments head-on. This training isn’t just about survival—it’s about bringing everyone home.”
Two recruits work through a high-stress exercise, calling Maydays and coordinating rescues inside a simulated fire environment.
The emotional weight of the Mayday call has resonated throughout the department, not just among recruits and training captains but across every rank. It’s a shared experience that has strengthened the department’s resolve to prepare for every possibility.
Beyond the Classroom
The intensity of Survival Week was designed to mimic the real-world pressures recruits will face. From practicing Mayday calls to deploying rapid intervention techniques, every drill emphasized the importance of staying calm, communicating effectively, and relying on their training.
“We train so that when the real moment comes, it’s muscle memory,” Fuller explained. “We don’t want them thinking, ‘What do I do now?’ We want them to know instinctively.”
The aftermath of the Ledger Court fire—where quick action and training saved a Charlotte firefighter’s life—underscores the importance of Firefighter Survival Week, preparing recruits for the most critical moments on the fireground.
The Ledger Court rescue illustrated just how critical that muscle memory can be. The firefighter who was trapped survived because of the swift actions of his crew and his own adherence to training. In his words, “I thought, ‘No, I’m not going out like this,’ and I focused on everything I had learned to conserve air and stay calm.”
A Foundation for the Future
For recruits, Firefighter Survival Week is just the beginning of their education. The lessons learned will be reinforced throughout their careers, with the hope that they’ll never have to use them. But if they do, they’ll be ready.
Firefighter recruits navigate a simulated Mayday scenario during Charlotte Fire's Firefighter Survival Week, honing their skills to save themselves and others.
“Our hope is that they take home a clear understanding of what it means to protect themselves and their crew,” Fuller said. “It’s about being prepared for the worst so that we can ensure the best possible outcomes.”
As the week came to an end, the recruits of classes 128 and 129 left with more than just skills—they carried forward the legacy of those who came before them. For Charlotte Fire, the commitment to training isn’t just about survival; it’s about honor, resilience, and ensuring that every firefighter returns home at the end of their shift.
Recruit Classes 128 and 129, alongside their training officers, wrap up Firefighter Survival Week – a critical step in preparing these future firefighters for the challenges ahead. Dedication, teamwork, and resilience were on full display.