Hydraulic Readiness: Millstone Valley Fire Department Conducts Evening Pump Operations Refresher

Millstone, NJ - Firefighters headed out to the local canal Tuesday evening to sharpen fundamental hydraulic mechanics and reinforce critical static water supply operations.

On the evening of August 25, members of the Millstone Valley Fire Department (Franklin Township District 1) in Somerset County gathered along the canal for their scheduled department drill night, focusing on engine drafting and master pump operations.

Crews connected hard suction hoses to draw directly from the open waterway, practicing vacuum seal management, pump engagement, pressure calculations, and sustained discharge delivery. The hands-on training provided essential repetitions for driver-operators and interior firefighters alike, ensuring the company maintains seamless water supply capabilities when responding to areas where pressurized municipal fire hydrants are limited or unavailable.