Another successful Writers’ Police Academy

Lee Lofland and his gang have done it again. This past weekend brought together writers from all over the country to another hands-on conference.

The new location was the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin. (After trekking the 14 hr. drive to North Carolina in the past, it was a huge relief to have only a 3 ½ hr. drive from Chicago.)

The 1st day started with a rescue demonstration by the fire department, complete with Stokes basket.

My first class was “Fire Fundamentals” where we got to ride in a fire truck. 

I think we flunked ‘Seat Belt 101’ since none of us could properly belt ourselves in.

Next up - A fingerprint expert 

and Coroner Amanda Thoma.

There is a 727 plane parked in the back of the academy. 

We sat on the plane and watched a demo where the instructor showed us how to deal with an unruly passenger.

Lastly, we entered a smoke-filled building. 

The smoke deepened to the point that the only thing I could see was the person directly in front of me. 

Yet firemen can clear a room in 6 seconds.