Unique Exchange Program Brings European Firefighters To The First Coast

By Grayson Kamm First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- They're not your typical tourists -- these guys save most of their flashbulbs for firefights. Rescuers from Belgium are spending a week in Jacksonville learning from their American brothers.

With video cameras and notepads, they watch Jacksonville's Bravest beat back blazes, and study every move.

"We can look behind the scenes, and really see how things are organized," explained Paul Van Look, one of the firefighters who organizes the trips for the Belgian Fire Observers Association.

From the kinds of calls we work, to the angle of attack, the way we do things is different -- and sometimes better -- than what they do back in Belgium.

And even though they only watch, and don't get involved, what these rescuers see here can save lives back in Europe.

"Some things we take with us, and we teach it at our side. And other things, we think it's a little bit tricky, and we don't take that home. But we just keep that in mind for when you see that happening in your own department," said fire observer Martin Sparreboom.

The group's been making trips to the U.S. for ten years. This is their third stop in Jacksonville.

But they say ever since September 11th, 2001, fewer fire departments are willing to share their strategies -- and secrets -- with strangers.

"And they say we can't have guys riding along in our fire stations nowadays. We have to look out, because you might have wrong ideas about the purpose of your trip," Van Look said.

So the observers search harder, swearing they'll come to America -- to learn and share -- until the last city says "no."

They're not ready to give up the kind of life-saving experience they've gotten here on the First Coast.

Edited by:	Created: 10/31/2005 6:44:36 PM Updated: 10/31/2005 10:26:18 PM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures