Thomaston Crews Completed Apparatus Driver Training

Thomaston, ME — August 15 — Thomaston Fire & EMS crews conducted a driver training session on Saturday, which focused on apparatus maneuvers and vehicle handling.The members participated in a cone course designed to give each participant hands-on practice with two different types of fire engines and a ladder truck.

The training then transitioned to road driving, where the crews took turns in driving roles and gained experience operating the equipment in traffic conditions.

The members are still in the training process and have not yet been approved to operate the vehicles during emergency calls.

This practical session met the requirements set by the state of Maine for fire apparatus driver training.

Maine mandates that fire departments offer training based on the specific duties of their members, and the state also has minimum driver training standards for fire apparatus.The Maine Department of Labor offers a driver-operator evaluation checklist to help document the necessary skills before a driver is authorized to operate a vehicle.

Further practice is scheduled as members continue to build the skills needed for effective emergency response.