Highgate Center, VT. — June 29 — Together with mutual assistance partners, the Highgate Volunteer Fire Department practiced search and rescue techniques at the Highgate sandpits on Monday night. Coordinated rescue operations, patient evaluation, collaboration, and communication in a demanding outdoor environment were the main topics of the exercise. In order to produce realistic rescue scenarios, members of the Britch family volunteered as simulated patients, and Lt. Kennison and Chief Greenough organized the training.

In order to improve regional emergency response skills, the department, which is based at 2996 Vermont Route 78, periodically trains with nearby departments. In addition to strengthening operational preparedness and efficient mutual aid coordination in the event of future emergencies, the exercise provided firemen with invaluable practical experience.