Successful Joint Drill With Bedford Hills Fire Department
 
By Ex Chief Dean W. Pappas
April 18, 2023
 

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!

 
Units: KFD Car 2212, Car 2213, Ladder 39, Engine 116, Utility 8
 
Mutual Aid: BHFD Car 2033, Car 2032, Tower Ladder 57, Engine 198, Utility 6