Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Fire and Emergency Services hosted Albany Fire Department training staff, an engine company and recruit class for forcible entry training aboard the installation at the fire training facility, Sept. 16.

As part of their training to become firefighters, recruits are required to be trained in forcible entry techniques, including those for door entry. Firefighter forcible entry training uses specialized door props, which the MCLB Fire Department has, to refine essential skills for gaining entry to locked doors in emergency situations, such as those involving trapped individuals or active fires.

Trainees practice techniques like gapping, setting and forcing with hand tools like a Halligan bar and axe, developing muscle memory, decision-making, and teamwork in a controlled, realistic environment. This systematic training on varied door types and locking mechanisms prepares firefighters for the high-pressure demands of real-world emergencies, ensuring efficient and safe entry to save lives and protect property.