OXFORD – Why would firefighters, dressed in full turn-out gear, take turns falling head-first out of a second story window? To test out their newest safety equipment, of course.

Last Tuesday, the members of the Village of Oxford Fire Department did just that during a training session, held in a two-story structure behind the station.

“Basically it’s a bail out system,” said Firefighter Chad Brown who, like the others present, was wearing a safety harness similar to what a rappeller would wear.

In one hand, Brown held a red hook attached by a rope to his pack as well as to his harness with a carabiner clip. He explained that if conditions in a burning building warranted a quick exit, a firefighter could plant the hook and make his or her exit via a window. The harness would allow them to make a controlled descent, just like rappelling down a rock face.