• Firefighter Bill Richardson during structural collapse training.

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - During the last week, firefighters and K-9 handlers have been busy training for potential structure collapse situations. The training was broken down into different review stations. Groups were created to rotate through the stations, which included shoring and building markings to support collapsed areas, and search and rescue tactics to find potential victims in a collapsed structure.

Firefighter John Newman said that there are only three potential situations where the fire department would not enter a collapsed structure. Those situations include collapses without any victims, hazardous elements such as radioactive materials, or structures that are simultaneously collapsed and on fire.

During the structural collapse training, K-9 handlers and their search and rescue dogs were busy learning how to drop down into a collapsed area via harness. Once the dogs were on the ground, they went straight to work attempting to detect the mannequin amongst the rubble.

The dogs are trained to detect human scent in the air, human remains, or specific human traces. Once the dog has detected a scent, it sits, barks, or lays down.

The training ended with a debriefing. Everyone in attendance gathered to discuss the mock-collapse scenario and the aspects of rendering any victims safe in a collapsed structure. The dogs were able to detect the victim within minutes making it easier for firefighters to get to the mannequin and pull it into a safe area.

ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Watch Meridian Magazine on HOMTV to find out why these firefighters are clearing debris and rubble.