Ryan Carter Shining boots and crisp suits...

Ryan Carter

Shining boots and crisp suits were the order of the day Tuesday at

Fire Station 11, where Burbank firefighters underwent a formal

inspection by Chief Mike Davis.

Davis and the department’s six battalion chiefs greeted

firefighters standing at attention and checked their gear, even

reviewing grooming standards. In addition to donning their new formal

uniforms, firefighters had their turnout pants and coats at their

feet for inspection. The double-breasted style of the Class A

uniforms has not been worn here in many years, firefighters said.

Such military-like checks are performed each year and include

evaluations of the station’s work areas.

“They are a tradition,” Fire Marshal Dave Starr said of the annual

reviews. “But they serve a great purpose, because in the process of

inspection, equipment in the station house is inspected and needed

repairs are initiated. We make sure they are up to speed.”

Tuesday was spent reviewing at Station 11. Throughout the year,

the chiefs will inspect the department’s five other stations and give

written evaluations.

“Is it worth the time?” Starr asked. “I would say yes. It’s hard

to commit the time. It just takes the discipline to do it.”

Along with the firefighters, civilian mechanics and inspectors

received reviews.