Samatters Radio

On January 30, 2010, Captain Tim Kohlbeck and Lieutenant Chase Longmiller, assigned to the heavy rescue at Sheboygan Fire Station #1 were dispatched to a structure fire with the possibility of people trapped on the second floor.   They were inside conducting the search when conditions when conditions changed quickly. Their decisive actions saved their lives… barely.   Lessons learned included:   Knowing the buildings in your town – both construction and layout.   Building mutual trust with your company.   Realizing when you’re in an environment where victims are not savable.   Keeping a big picture focus.   Decide. Act! (no hesitation).   Trusting your guy.   Understanding the characteristics of a high-energy (pre-flashover) fire environment.   Tim Kohlbeck,Biography: Tim Kohlbeck is serving in his his 26th year with the City of Sheboygan (WI) Fire Department. He was hired in 1990 and currently serves the city as a Captain and is assigned to Rescue 3, the city’s heavy rescue unit.   Tim is trai