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The Lewisville Fire Department’s Junior Firefighters had an interesting day at the airport recently, as they got an opportunity to go hands-on and participate in an “Alert 3” aircraft emergency drill.

An Alert 3 is an emergency where an aircraft has actually crashed, either on or off of the airfield.

The drill was held during a field trip to Smith Reynolds Airport and gave the junior firefighters an opportunity to learn to use the ARFF (Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting) equipment, learn important aviation terminology, practice emergency response skills and strengthen their teamwork and readiness, according to the department.

“We’re proud to see these future first responders gaining real-world experience and expanding their training in such a unique setting,” wrote the department.

The junior firefighters were also offered an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport during the trip.

The Junior Firefighter program is offered by the Lewisville Fire Department and offers teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 an opportunity to prepare for a career in fire or EMS service. The program offers lessons about emergency operational methods and techniques for firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical services, and how the process of mastering these skills makes for a well-rounded young adult. Junior firefighters will be allowed to participate in hands-on training as well as classroom training, as well as learning how to perform routine duties such as caring for department equipment and apparatus.

For more information on the program and how to apply, visit msfes.net/lewisvillefire/?page_id=56.