Last Saturday, May 16th, I experienced what it's like to be a firefighter for a day. The Professional Firefighters Union of Racine and Kenosha invited local elected officials and members of the media to attend Fire Ops 101, an all-day training seminar designed to give certain civilians an idea of what it takes to be a firefighter. Overall, it was a very exciting and educational day that I was glad to have been a part of. I have always had the utmost of respect for firefighters, but spending an entire day with them gave me an even greater appreciation for what they do and the challenges they face on a daily basis.

The day began at 7:30AM when I arrived with my colleagues, Representative Barca and Senator Wirch, and other local government officials for an orientation. From there, we were taken to a classroom for instruction on the responsibilities of EMTs. After the EMS seminar, we suited up in the heavy protective clothing worn by firefighters and donned the breathing apparatuses used to avoid smoke inhalation. Then, for the next few hours, we went through a series of exercises that firefighters must partake in as part of their regular training regimen. During a simulated house fire, we walked up three flights of stairs while carrying axes in order to help remove a gentleman from a smoke-filled room. We then learned how to properly use a hose by controlling the power of the water running through it in order to put out a fire. Last, but not least, we participated in a demonstration on the Jaws of Life.

I learned that in addition to the physical drills and simulated house fires, firefighters must go through medical and technical training for those moments when they are also the first responders. I was also impressed with the women I met who are part of the Racine and Kenosha fire departments, and learned that there are only 5 of them out of 135 firefighters in Racine, and 4 out of 141 firefighters in Kenosha. While everyone with the departments deserves the greatest respect for what they do for their communities, as a woman myself who went through the grueling exercises, I admire those women who are able to do this on a regular basis. Overall, spending a day with firefighters gave me a whole new perspective on what they do and how they train in order to save lives. This experience will always be one of my greatest highlights as a legislator, and I commend the men and women who have devoted their lives to serving their communities as firefighters.

Rep. Kerkman pictured above in the light uniform with area firefighters at Fire Ops 101, held on Saturday, May 16th.

Memorial Day 2009

I would like to wish everyone a very nice Memorial Day weekend. I hope that somewhere between the cookouts and the outdoor festivities, you will take a moment to reflect on the significance of this important holiday and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I know I will be thinking of my brother and my cousin and how grateful I am for their service to the United States as veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom respectively.

As a tribute to all of our veterans, several communities throughout area will be hosting parades and ceremonies on Memorial Day. My family and I will be participating in the Memorial Day parades and services to be held in Silver Lake at 9:00AM, followed by Twin Lakes at 11:00AM. Burlington will also host a Memorial Day parade; however, my family and I will not be able to attend. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and please remember to thank our veterans for their brave service to our country.