MEADVILLE, Pa. — May 12th — A multi-department exercise on rural hitch water supply operations and hydrant failure contingency planning was conducted by Department West Mead #1 Volunteer Fire Company. The drill was conducted in response to Meadville's hydrant system issues during the bitterly cold winter months. Firefighters practiced continuous water flow operations using a double-clappered siamese appliance, engine/tankers, and rural shuttle operations in the field after receiving classroom instruction at Meadville Central.

According to officials, workers used two 2,500-gallon engine/tankers and two 1,000-gallon engines to sustain a 500-gallon-per-minute water flow for 45 minutes. Vernon Central Hose, West Mead #2 Volunteer Fire Department, and Meadville Firefighters IAFF Local 515 were among the participating departments. According to fire officials, the training strengthened regional mutual aid readiness, cooperation, and coordination.