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.