On September 15 West Mead #1 and Meadville Central joined forces to train on elevated master streams, tanker shuttle, and defensive firefighting operations at the Meadville Area Recreation Complex (MARC).

West Mead #1 Chief Brad Johnston and Meadville Central Lieutenant Chris Honard organized the training evolutions that began with Engines 28-12 and 28-11 relaying water from a hydrant to 28-13, which in turn fed the city’s Tower 16-9. The second evolution simulated a well-involved fire attack, with an engine crew pulling two 1 3/4″ handlines from 28-12 and the 28-11 crew completing a reverse lay with 4″ LDH (large diameter hose) to the hydrant. The officer in command then called for the tower to establish an elevated master stream, and 28-12 switched from the handlines to the tower. A simulated burst section of 4″ hose presented another challenge, and crews scrambled to replace the section with hoseline from 28-12’s hosebed.

The drill provided exercises for incident command, pump operations, handline deployment and operation, radio communications, and hydrant operations, as well as the critical thinking skills for recognizing and overcoming challenges.

West Mead #1 extends our thanks to Meadville Central for their assistance with the drill.