VIDEO: Firefighters practice skills at former Hilton

Opportunities for firefighters to use commercial complexes for training don’t come along often, but on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, more than 20 crew members of Longboat Key Fire Rescue had the opportunity to practice skills such as forcible entry and aerial ladder operations.

The drills occurred at the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort, which will soon be demolished in preparation for an estimated $24 million expansion.

“The drill was important because we weren’t just learning how to get into a building to access the fire quicker, we were also learning how to get ourselves out if trapped inside,” said firefighter/paramedic Kristen Rouse, a two-year member of the department.

Rob Jacobs, a firefighter/paramedic with the department for 22 years, said air hammer rescue kits, typically used for getting people out of vehicles, were used to break tempered glass and cut through drywall at the former Hilton property.

Jacobs said firefighter/paramedics used a K-12 rescue saw to cut through concrete and deadbolt locks on aluminum doors at the property.

“Even a lot of the people who have been with the department for years haven’t had the opportunity to use a lot of these tools on live calls,” he said. “We do these exercises so we know what to do when we have to do it.”

“This sort of training is essential in getting new members of the department ready for structure fires and rescue situations,” said Deputy Chief Matt Altman, who oversaw Friday’s drills. “The drills were used to familiarize newer staff members with hand and power tools used to get people out of an area or to ventilate it.”

The former Hilton closed July 7, in preparation for the site’s renovation and expansion by owner Ocean Properties Ltd., which also owns more than 100 hotels, including the Resort at Longboat Key Club, Lido Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Lido Beach and Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel locally.

The property received its demolition permit Aug. 1 from the Planning, Zoning and Building Department. Construction is expected to last between 14 and 16 months.