Weldon Spring alderman is awarded firefighter helmet

Weldon Spring Alderman Bruce Robb was a Cottleville Firefighter — for one day in November.

Robb participated in the Cottleville Fire Protection District’s “Fire Opps101”class geared to teach citizens firsthand the daily duties of a firefighter. Fire Chief Rob Wylie and Firefighter Jeff Ohlms presented Robb with a plaque on Feb. 14 for his participation in the day-long program. Robb also received his own firefighter’s helmet.

Robb spent a day in November literally living the firefighter’s job. He was outfitted from head to toe in a complete uniform with gear.

“It was very heavy,” Robb said. “The helmet alone was about 10 pounds.”

Robb travelled to the training center in Wellston — along with several other participants — to learn how to respond to a fire. The participants watched the evolution of the fire burning, and then saw how firefighters responded. He also took a trip up the ladder truck, learned the ins and outs of the technical and safety equipment and saw the Jaws of Life in action.

“It was basically geared to give us a feel for what firefighters go though on a daily basis,” Robb said.

Robb said the program is also geared to eliminate firefighter stereotypes — like firefighters spend their workday just lifting weights and learning to cook.

“I think there are a lot of stereotypes (about firefighters)…but it’s not really like that,” Robb said. “It was a good program. Having done the program, if I woke up to my house filled with smoke I feel I’d know how to react.”

Ohlms said the Fire Opps 101 class was the first of its kind in the St. Louis and St. CharlesCounty areas. The fire protection district had fundraisers to pay for the program, which was free to participants.

“We appreciate Bruce taking a peek behind the curtain in a day in the life of a firefighter,” Ohlms said.

While he enjoyed the program, Robb said fighting fires is not the career for him.

“You couldn’t pay me enough to do what (these firefighters) do,” Robb said.