During on-duty in-service hours on Friday, January 9th, Sturbridge Firefighters Local 170 members trained for winter drafting at the Long Pond Boat Ramp. Establishing a draft location for firefighting water delivery during winter conditions—when engine companies might have to cut through ice to get water below—was the main goal of the session.

Firefighters went over how to arrange equipment, how to cut ice, and safety precautions specific to cold-weather activities. Compared to other seasons, winter drafting adds time and effort to an already taxing activity. Following training, caution tape was used to seal the ice opening for public awareness, especially ice fishermen, until the area refreezed. Throughout the shift, teams continued to manage a consistent volume of emergency calls while completing the training.