On Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, Lookingglass Rural Fire District held a Task Performance Evaluation (TPE) in accordance with the standards set by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These evaluations are required to verify firefighter proficiency and readiness to respond safely and effectively to emergency incidents.

The TPE simulated a full structure fire response—from station turnout and engine response to fireground operations and apparatus refitting. This format allows evaluators to observe candidates in a realistic, time-sensitive environment, assessing both technical skill and decision-making under pressure.

Firefighter trainees were tested on six critical firefighting tasks:

1. Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Rapid and accurate donning ensures firefighter safety during initial response.
2. Deploying a 200' 1 ¾” Preconnected Hose Line: This simulates advancing a line for interior fire attack. A charged hose line of this type typically weighs 80 to 100 pounds, requiring upper body strength and coordinated movement.
3. Forcible Entry: Candidates demonstrated the use of tools and techniques to safely gain entry into a structure under emergency conditions.
4. Advancing a Charged 1 ¾” Hose Line into a Structure: Firefighters maneuvered the heavy, pressurized line through simulated interior obstacles. This skill is essential for effective suppression and search operations.
5. Initiating and Calling a Mayday: Knowing how and when to declare a Mayday is critical. Trainees practiced correct radio procedures to simulate a firefighter emergency scenario.
6. Rescuing a Downed Firefighter: A challenging task involving the removal of a simulated downed firefighter weighing over 275 pounds (representing a person in full PPE with tools). This reinforces teamwork, situational awareness, and physical endurance.

The Training Commitment Behind Certification

Each of these tasks is grounded in national standards outlined by NFPA 1001 and required by Oregon DPSST for certification as a Firefighter I. On average, the path to certification involves approximately 240–280 hours of structured training, including:

• Fire behavior and suppression
• Ladder operations
• Hazardous materials awareness
• Rescue techniques
• Tool and equipment usage
• Communications and accountability
• Live-fire evolutions
• Written and practical skill evaluations

In addition to classroom instruction, these hours often include evenings, weekends, and hands-on drills. Candidates are expected to demonstrate both mental preparedness and physical resilience throughout the process.

Recognizing Success

We are proud to announce that all five candidates successfully completed the TPE, a significant milestone in their development as firefighters.

• Three completed their TPEs for initial NFPA Firefighter I certification
• One firefighter successfully recertified
• One, already certified by another department, was tested on LRFD-specific procedures to ensure alignment with our operational expectations

Please join us in congratulating John Cota, Beau Cummins, Misty Fox, Mykel Prowell, and Maxson Sherman on this achievement. Their countless hours of training and unwavering commitment reflect the highest standards of service, safety, and dedication to the Lookingglass community.