Students from the College Orientation Workshop (COW) program at Virginia Military Institute had some hands-on firefighting training at the Lexington Fire Department this past Saturday. The students were instructed by LFD firefighter/medic James Schindler on how to put out fires using a heavy fire hose, which is a group effort. BOTTOM LEFT, students learn how to carry a victim to safety. BOTTOM MIDDLE, a demonstration was held on how to pry open a locked door using a Halligan bar and an ax. BELOW RIGHT, students observe a simulation on how to crawl through a small space while wearing heavy gear. The COW program, now in its 39th year, aims to transform the lives of promising, male, minority and at-risk high school students. The four-week program offers education, leadership and character building, and physical training at no cost to them. (Joann Ware photos)
