RTD partners with Aurora Fire and Rescue to strengthen emergency preparedness

RTD is partnering with local first responders to ensure they are ready to safely respond to emergencies on the agency’s buses. On Monday Sept. 14, RTD was joined by firefighters of the Aurora Fire and Rescue (AFR) to learn how to respond to fires on board the different types of buses RTD uses.

Around 9 a.m., Battalion Chief Justin Julian, Lieutenants Paul Shoemaker and Cody McGinnis, and AFR public information officer Eric Heart joined Bus Maintenance Trainer Jon Paul Mitchell and Emergency Management Manager Diana Rawles at the Platte Division to learn how to safely disable a bus and practice rescue scenarios.

The day started with Mitchell showing the firefighters the emergency electrical and engine shutdown procedures for each bus, a critical first step to ensure the safety of first responders and those on the bus and to prevent further harm. Next, they were shown how to activate the parking brake from outside the bus and how to operate the doors manually. Firefighters also learned about other bus-specific features and emergency access points to consider when responding to accidents.

Once the walkthrough was complete, it was time to begin the hands-on portion of the training.

Firefighters practiced accessing buses through emergency exits and other access points, evacuating passengers, and securing simulated hazards. Using a smoke machine, they filled a 40-foot Gillig bus with smoke and placed a 50-pound dummy and a scooter resembling an e-bike inside to simulate an emergency scenario. Teams went on to repeat this training with the agency’s regional and articulated buses, as each type requires different access and securement methods.

Later in the day, the firefighters went over to the rock lot behind District Shops, where they additional emergency access techniques on a long-retired 40-foot Gillig bus. During this part of the training, the firefighters practiced safely breaking windows to access safety hatches and unlock them.

Training sessions with first responders is an important part for RTD’s emergency preparedness efforts, which help to ensure local fire, law enforcement, and emergency personnel are familiar with RTD vehicles and equipment before an accident occurs.

“First responders will be the first people on the scene of an accident involving RTD resources,” said Rawles. “It is critical they are armed with the knowledge and information to access one of our vehicles to save lives and reduce injuries. This training is one of many examples of RTD and the first responder community partnering to ensure a safe and welcoming transit environment for our customers, even in the most extreme circumstances.”

“By giving first responders the opportunity to become familiar with our buses, emergency access points, and shutdown procedures before an incident occurs, we can help them respond more safely and effectively when seconds matter,” said Mitchell. “These joint training exercises strengthen the relationship between RTD and our emergency response partners while helping create a safer environment for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Training alongside Aurora Fire and Rescue was a great experience and showed the importance of getting our first responders familiar with RTD equipment before an emergency happens.”

The Aurora training is part of RTD’s ongoing work with emergency-response partners to prepare for a range of potential incidents. This event was followed by a live, full-scale Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness Plan exercise at 124th and Eastlake Station on the N Line the following day. This Federal Railroad Administration-mandated exercise was conducted by the agency in partnership with the Thornton Fire Department, Thornton Police Department, and Thornton 911 Dispatch.

In June, RTD also welcomed the Jefferson County SWAT team, Colorado State Patrol, and RTD Transit Police for a similar demonstration and training session, allowing those teams to practice responding to hostage and dangerous person situations.

These partnerships are especially important as RTD prepares to begin opening portions of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit Project in Aurora over the next year. RTD thanks Aurora Fire and Rescue for partnering with the agency and spending the day becoming familiar with RTD buses and emergency response procedures.