Essex, CT - In the evening of 11th March 2026 members of Essex Fire Engine Co. #1, the Deep River Fire Department, and Westbrook Chemical Engine Co. #1 participated in a forestry fire training session held at Essex Fire Headquarters.

The training was led by Rich Schenk, Fire Control Officer for the Eastern District of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). The session focused on preparing firefighters for potential forestry and brush fire incidents as the upcoming season approaches.

Because mutual aid departments frequently respond together to a wide range of emergency situations, joint training exercises like this are essential. Training together allows departments to strengthen coordination, communication, and operational effectiveness, ensuring they can work seamlessly alongside one another during emergency responses.

Participants included members from the Deep River Fire Department and the Westbrook Fire Department, who joined Essex firefighters for the hands-on training exercise.