Monday evening, Katonah Fire Department and Bedford Hills Fire Department teamed up for an intense joint drill focusing on forcible entry, search and rescue, fire suppression, fireground communications, and firefighter accountability. Engine 116, Ladder 39 and Utility 8 from KFD and Engine 198, Tower Ladder 57 and Utility 6 participated. Fire crews went through three evolutions at the KFD training tower, which was smoked out to simulate actual fire conditions. Crews alternated operating under Katonah FD command, Bedford HIlls FD command, and, in the final evolution, mixing personnel from both departments so that they could get practice working directly with each other. Joint drills like Monday night's are incredibly important, as the mutual aid system of calling neighboring fire departments is one reason why volunteer fire departments are able to cover their fire districts so effectively. We're looking forward to the next joint training opportunity! |