STAMFORD, VT — August 10 — Members of the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department participated in a training session on Monday night to test new hydraulic rescue tools.This provided firefighters with the chance to compare the updated equipment with the department’s existing tools, which are more than 22 years old.

The training session emphasized the performance of newer technology during vehicle rescue operations.

Firefighters used the tools around a simulated damaged vehicle, practicing controlled cutting and spreading techniques.The session also gave them hands-on experience with the equipment before it might be needed in an actual emergency.

The department’s rescue technology represents an important equipment upgrade for a critical function related to motor vehicle incidents.

According to Stamford’s town planning documents, rescue tools and firefighter training are among the programs supported by FEMA grants.These documents also recognize the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department as the town’s main emergency services provider, responsible for responding to incidents such as motor vehicle accidents.The training helped firefighters gain practical experience using the new hydraulic equipment.