CLINTON, CT — August 11 — Members of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department participated in a rural water supply and tanker shuttle training session in Killingworth.This exercise helped enhance their ability to respond effectively when fire hydrants were not available.The training was organized by Connecticut DEMHS Region 2 and the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association, with technical guidance provided by GBW Associates LLC.

The hands-on practice involved pumpers, tankers, portable dump tanks, and various water supply locations.

GBW Associates reported that the operation successfully moved water at a constant rate of 3,000 gallons per minute, surpassing the previous Valley Shore record of 2,400 gallons per minute, which had been set in 2013.Over 50 firefighters took part in the training.

The focus of the training was on tanker shuttle procedures, including how to properly fill and dump water at different sites, as well as how to maintain a continuous water supply to a simulated fire scene.

These skills are particularly valuable for departments operating in areas without access to municipal hydrants, as they support efficient water delivery and fire suppression efforts.The regional training also helped improve collaboration and coordination among mutual-aid fire departments.