Belgian Firefighters Visiting Shreveport

The Shreveport Fire Department will play host to some firefighters from Belgium beginning this week. Ten Belgian firefighters will be spending time with the Shreveport department from this Wednesday, the 16th, through next Wednesday, the 23rd. Belgium Battalion Fire Chief Paul Vanlook heads up the Belgium Fire Observers Organization, a non-profit group whose mission is to allow its members to visit major fire departments throughout the U.S. annually -- to study successful fire service programs. During the visit, the group will stay at assigned fire stations throughout the city, and visit various support divisions for a behind-the-scenes look at the department. The firefighters will also get to do a little sight-seeing while they're here.