Northshore Fire Department Chief Tom Weathers’ mission sounds simple. The chief wants a safe organization with well-trained personnel … a huge responsibility!

Chief Weathers guided me around the fire station at 18030 73rd Ave. N.E. in Kenmore, explaining the training tools used by the firefighters.

We entered what looks like a tower, with a stairwell consisting of four flights of stairs. The structure was once used as a hose tower to hang hoses after use so they drip-dried completely. The tower now simulates an apartment building or a multi-storied office building.

“This is for high-rise building training using ladders on the outside, rescuing people on upper floors and carrying hoses up flights of stairs,” Weathers said.

The distressed people, in this case, are weighted dummies, that the firefighters carry through windows and down the ladder.

Weathers notes, “It’s a small training area, constructed in the ’60s.”

Outside, situated near the parking lot, is the Regional Fire Training, Tactical Simulation Unit.

“This is where we burn a lot of businesses down on a regular basis,” says the chief.

The building serves as a training tool that houses computer terminals and screens on which Chief Weathers can create simulation of an actual fire scene of any magnitude, that the firefighters must respond to. It’s a practice area where they learn specific language, codes, modes of communication and develop strategies to be implemented in a real fire setting.

As far as entering neighborhoods to train on a home used for the purpose of being burned down, the chief says, “It presents problems.”

Fire trucks block roads inconveniencing neighbors, plus the weather must be ideal as to not pose a threat to nearby homes. Although an event like this might take place three times a year, it is not preferred.

Another training prop, constructed by a local firefighter, is a piece of plywood mounted on four posts anchored into the ground. This can be maneuvered to simulate different pitches of a roof. Firefighters adjust the roof’s grade and then practice cutting a hole in the roof for ventilation

Chief Weathers looks forward to the completion of a new fire station across the street, to be finished in July 2010.

“This will be built to a green level,” notes Weathers.

There will be numerous energy-saving devices like solar panels and the collection of rainwater for washing vehicles and filling hoses for drills. The building will follow new homeland-security standards with the use of gates and security checks.

Weathers says, “It (the station) must meet the needs of today,” but adds, “We’re changing so fast now, we must consider what the needs will be in 50 years?”

“We also want to serve the public,” says the chief.

TCA Architects of Seattle has included a large meeting room for public use, conference rooms and a private EMS room to assist people with immediate health needs.

Upstairs will include sleeping quarters for personnel, kitchen and additional meeting rooms.

And, Weathers adds, “The new tower will be larger.”

I couldn’t help but admire the clean, spit-polished appearance of the fire trucks in the bay area.

“We take pride in what we have,” comments Chief Weathers.

Likewise, the Northshore community takes pride in our area firefighters and fire stations.

Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.