Regional pump‑operations training draws dozens to Killeen as fundraiser for two firefighters
KILLEEN — Firefighters from across Central Texas gathered at Siddons‑Martin this weekend to sharpen pumping operations skills and to raise money for two colleagues recently diagnosed with cancer, including a member of the Killeen Fire Department.
The Cen‑Tex F.O.O.L.S. event brought roughly 60 firefighters from 21 departments to the Siddons‑Martin campus, where instructors reviewed troubleshooting techniques designed to keep water moving at the scene and ensure crews operating inside a structure have the continuous supply they need.
Organizers said the class combined written assessment and classroom presentation with hands‑on stations where participants worked on real pump setups. Multiple engines were staged with hoses laid out and water flowing as teams practiced diagnosing and correcting common on‑scene problems.
- Purpose: Training on pumping operations and troubleshooting under firefighting conditions.
- Participants: About 60 firefighters from 21 departments across Texas.
- Benefit: Tuition paid by students will be distributed to two firefighters battling cancer — Killeen firefighter Joseph Kopp and Belton firefighter Cody Puckett.
Class leaders included a veteran Dallas firefighter with 30 years of department experience who guided the curriculum and supervised practical exercises. The training emphasized diagnosing pump problems on scene — a critical skill for pump operators who manage water pressure and supply when crews are engaged in interior firefighting.
Shane Howard, a relatively new pump operator for the City of Killeen, said the class helped newer operators build confidence and troubleshooting ability.
“This class is going to teach troubleshooting skills and how to diagnose problems on scene to make sure that our guys inside have the right water supply,”
Howard added that participants were there to learn and to expand their skill set as pump operators.
Fundraising through training
The training doubled as a fundraiser. Organizers with Cen‑Tex F.O.O.L.S. — a nonprofit group focused on fire service traditions, brotherhood and training — said tuition collected from students would be given directly to the two firefighters coping with cancer.
“We have two local firefighters, one from Killeen and one from Belton that have both been recently diagnosed with cancer. So this is a fundraising event for those guys,”
Mikkie Jordan, training chair for Cen‑Tex F.O.O.L.S., said the turnout demonstrated the solidarity of the fire service across jurisdictions and the willingness of departments to support members in need.
The event attracted crews from volunteer and career departments, reflecting a mixture of experience levels. Organizers said drills like these serve both to elevate technical competence and to reinforce relationships among neighboring departments that frequently mutual‑aid on large incidents.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Training host | Siddons‑Martin, Killeen |
| Organizing group | Cen‑Tex F.O.O.L.S. |
| Participants | ~60 firefighters from 21 departments |
| Fund recipients | Joseph Kopp (Killeen) and Cody Puckett (Belton) |
Local implications
For Killeen residents, the training reinforces the capacity of local crews to manage water supply issues that can be critical during structure fires. Pump operators coordinate apparatus placement, pressure settings and relay operations; improving those skills can affect how quickly interior crews can suppress flames and protect lives and property.
Equally important in the local context is the demonstration of community within the fire service: departments from across the region paid tuition to attend and directed those funds to help colleagues facing serious illness. Organizers described the turnout as testimony to the fraternity and mutual support that often defines emergency services.
Officials said tuition proceeds will be directed to Killeen firefighter Joseph Kopp and Belton firefighter Cody Puckett, who were recently diagnosed with cancer. The Cen‑Tex F.O.O.L.S. training event paired practical skill building with direct, immediate assistance for those battling illness among first‑responder ranks.
As departments across the region continue to face staffing, training and health challenges, local training events that also function as fundraisers provide both professional development and a channel for community members and peers to offer support.
