Technical Rescue and Tactical Leadership: Hinsdale Fire Completes Old Forge Courses

Hinsdale, NY - Firefighters from the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department traveled to the Adirondacks over the weekend to take part in specialized technical rescue evolutions and command seminars at the annual Old Forge Firefighter Drill School.

Operating alongside emergency personnel from volunteer and career departments across New York State on September 19, three Hinsdale members completed advanced coursework designed to strengthen operational readiness and tactical decision-making.

Captain Zachary Poff, along with Firefighter/EMTs Jordan Carpenter and Rebecca Juskow, participated in a Company Officer Seminar focusing on incident command, fireground safety, and personnel leadership. The members also completed hands-on evolutions in Vehicle Over an Embankment scenarios, which require complex rigging, mechanical advantage systems, high-angle stabilization, and patient packaging on steep terrain.

The Hinsdale Chiefs’ Office commended the members for dedicating personal time to continuing education, noting that rigorous ongoing training in specialized disciplines ensures the department remains prepared to manage high-risk, low-frequency emergencies back home in northern Onondaga County.