Gales Ferry, CT. — June 18 — To improve their ability to combat fires in places lacking municipal hydrants, members of the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company underwent training in drafting and rural water supply operations. Long-distance relay pumping and the "rural hitch," a water delivery technique utilized in rural fire situations, were both practiced. In order to maintain a steady supply for suppression efforts, firefighters practiced pulling water from static sources and transferring it through relay operations.

These exercises are routinely carried out by the department since parts of its response area lack hydrants, necessitating the employment of alternate water supply techniques. The training guaranteed that firefighters maintained their proficiency in rural firefighting techniques and strengthened operational readiness.