Los Alamos Fire Department personnel prepare to take community members into a smoke-filled area of the training during LAFD’s held its first ever “Firefighter for a Day” event Saturday at Station 2 on DP Road. Some 17 participants from the community, including Maire O’Neill of the Los Alamos Reporter, were given an opportunity to experience first-hand, what firefighters go through on a daily basis. They went through several scenarios including an EMS Code, Hazmat, Vehicle Extrication, High Angle Rescue, Smoke & Rescue and Wildland. The participants were accompanied and closely monitored by LAFD “wranglers” and members of LAFD’s special teams who provided extensive information on each activity. LAFD personnel volunteered to be part of the event. Photo Courtesy LAFD

Los Alamos Fire Department Firefighter for a Day participants, from left, Los Alamos Police Sgt. Ben Irving, Amy Urbatch, Michaela Robertson and Maire O’Neill listen to a Wildland Fire presentation Saturday morning at Station 2 on DP Road. Photo Courtesy LAFD 

Los Alamos Fire Department personnel assist participants with donning their suits during the HazMat portion of the day’s activities. Photo Courtesy LAFD

Maire O’Neill of the Los Alamos Reporter reaches the second opening in the Los Alamos Fire Department training tower at Station 2 Saturday during LAFD’s first Firefighter for a Day event. Photo Courtesy LAFD

Maire O’Neill of the Los Alamos Reporter awaits her turn to be escorted into the smoke-filled area of the training tower at Los Alamos Fire Station 2 on DP Road. Photo Courtesy LAFD