Fifteen firefighters from Owensboro and surrounding areas—including Daviess County, Henderson, Greenville, Airport-Sorgho fire departments, and the Fire Academy of Kentucky—recently took part in international training in Olomouc, Czech Republic.
As part of a Sister Cities Firefighter exchange program, these firefighters engaged in hands-on training, including residential firefighting and flashover drills. The program aims to enhance the everyday skills of local firefighters while fostering strong international relationships.
During their time in Olomouc, the firefighters also participated in on-duty shifts with the Olomouc Fire Department, responding to emergencies and putting their newly acquired skills into practice.
Throughout the day, the firefighters faced various training scenarios, but their evenings were filled with local experiences. They enjoyed a unique display of fall decorations at the “Fall Flora” festival and attended a home hockey game.
After a week of training and cultural experiences in the Czech Republic, the firefighters returned to Owensboro on Saturday morning, arriving around midnight. Officials from the Owensboro Fire Department reported that they are now resting after their extensive travels. This exchange follows a similar visit to the Czech Republic that took place just a few months earlier in April.