NEW HAVEN, VT — AUGUST 23 — The New Haven Volunteer Fire Department completed driver recertification training in Bristol, with members arriving early on Sunday morning to participate in emergency vehicle operations exercises.

Five department trucks were used during the training, allowing firefighters to gain experience operating apparatus with varying wheelbases, dimensions, weights, and handling characteristics.

The hands-on exercises involved maneuvering through a cone course while maintaining control and awareness of the apparatus surroundings.

This training emphasized the importance of understanding how each vehicle performs before using it during emergency responses.

The Vermont Fire Academy, which provides emergency vehicle driver training, combines classroom instruction with practical driving to help develop correct driving techniques and prepare drivers for the physical and mental challenges of operating emergency vehicles.

The Vermont Fire Academy views ongoing training as essential for maintaining firefighter skills and certification.

For New Haven firefighters, the session offered additional practice in vehicle control, positioning, and safe apparatus operation, ensuring these skills are well honed before they are needed during an emergency call.