The visit was led by Lakewood team members Rod Opheim, Emergency Preparedness Manager & Paramedic, along with Nick Bennett, Main Campus Maintenance Manager, and Chris O’Brien, Environmental Services Director.
With new firefighters joining the department and others having recently retired, this walk-through gave the firefighters a chance to become familiar with Lakewood’s main campus.
“This kind of training is so important,” said Opheim. “In an emergency, familiarity matters. Knowing where things are located — like stairwells, elevators, oxygen storage, and other safety areas — helps first responders act quickly and safely when every second counts.”
Armed with clipboards, each group of firefighters also worked through emergency scenarios, including fires, gas leaks, and smoke conditions throughout the building, helping them think through how they would respond if they were ever called to Lakewood.
“Preplanning is critical,” said Cole Yungbauer, Staples Fire Department Chief. “By walking through these scenarios now, we become familiar with the campus so we’re ready to respond quickly and safely if an emergency ever occurs.”
Lakewood is grateful for this collaboration with the Staples Fire Department and their continued commitment to training and keeping our patients, staff, and community safe.