3 local fire departments joined together at the Paul Smiths-Gabriels fire station and training tower on Saturday November 15th for a day of training. The training covered was a variety of essential firefighting skills. Perhaps the most important lesson of the day was being able to work hand in hand with neighboring departments, learning each others equipment and operating procedures. Beyond the actual skills training members had a great day with fellow firefighters building stronger rapport and es-prit de corps.

Hands on skills training included:

*** Setting up and safely working around Saranac Lakes Ladder 144 and Paul Smiths-Gabriels Quint 184. Firefighters had the opportunity to climb and dismount both aerial devices.

*** Practice using chain saws from Ladder 144's platform while tethered on a roof ladder.

*** A drill was conducted on the training tower that afforded firefighters the opportunity to practice both hose line advancement and search and rescue.

A class room discussion followed the hands on portion of training. Firefighters rehashed all of the days training. A large portion of that discussion was directed toward when and where to ventilate and coordination between vent and attack teams. As a result of this discussion firefighters have a better understanding of how coordination and direction of attack combined with proper ventilation procedures can have a large impact on any future fires that we may face together as a team.

Following training members were treated to a Pizza Party.

It takes a lot of hard work and training to be prepared to step up and handle emergency situations. We are very proud of the effort of not only our SLVFD members but also the men and women of our neighboring fire departments.