I can’t believe February ends next week? I feel like the month just flew by.
Granted, I spent most of the month down in Glendale for work, which explains a lot.
I recently wrapped up two weeks working as a cadre member at Southwest Engine Academy, which was a blast!
Southwest Engine Academy is a bi-annual training held here in Forest Service’s Region 3, which includes both Arizona and New Mexico.
As part of the academy, fire engine operators spend two weeks at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center learning everything there is to know about our wildland fire engines: From driving and maneuvering to pumping and maintenance.
I was ordered as “audio/visual support,” which means it was my job (along with Francesca, who was also ordered for the same reason) to film and photograph the entire academy.
We also spent our time creating several internal and external products to be used before, during and after the academy.
My favorite part of the entire two weeks was “melee day” — a day-long simulation event designed to give the engine operators “real world” experience.
As part of the simulation, cadre members dressed up as quirky characters who were worried about their homes, or were living in the forest and didn’t want to evacuate, or were hikers nearby having medical emergencies.
Cadre members also played the roles of engine crews (such as overly-enthusiastic rookies, or hungover crew members unwilling to work) and basically challenged the students to focus on their tasks without distractions.
I also had a blast during off-road day, where engine operators take the trucks off-road for practice.
It was also the first time I’ve stayed in a hotel with a kitchenette for work, which was an absolute game-changer. I was able to eat so much healthier than I usually would, and I was able to avoid takeout for the most part.
I feel like I’m so used to fire assignments where I have zero time to myself for things like fitness/ wellness/ etc., so fire academy was actually a really refreshing change where I wasn’t committed to work for 14-to-16 hours every day.
I did put in some weekend and after-hours work, but I had a good amount of free time during the academy, too.
I was able to sneak in a few yoga classes at the Lake Pleasant YogaSix studio, and I went for a few after-work runs along the nearby canal.
We also had Super Bowl Sunday off work. Ryan and Yukon came down for the day, and we went for brunch at Little O’s, a hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and had dinner at a restaurant near my hotel called The Cabin.
I love Flagstaff, I love snow and I love winter — but it was definitely nice to have a few days of hanging out in the sunshine wearing shorts and t-shirts!
Anyway, I just wanted to give a little recap of my recent work trip. Thanks for reading!
My views are mine alone and don’t represent those of my employer, agency or the United States government. All photos were taken by me and/or credited photographer unless otherwise noted. You can read more on my disclosure and privacy policy page.
