The Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department was invited by their Brother Firefighters from the Sparkill-Palisades Fire District to participate in a multi-station/multi-task firefighting Drill. Like the U. S. Military., the U. S. Fire Service refers to training activities as Drills. The Alpine Volunteer Department also participated.  

The Drill featured training in the use of the gasoline powered metal cutting saw, a standard tool used in the Fire Service, used for defeating extra security devices often found on commercial buildings, such heavy duty chains and industrial size padlocks.  

There was a Search and Rescue station where Firemen Drilled on one of the most important fireground tasks they perform, the search for victims in the zero visibility environment of the fire floor. With their protective hoods donned backwards to "blind" themselves, as they would be at a fire, firefighters conducted a "primary search" for victims and then removed them to a safe zone, no easy task when wearing well over 50 pounds of PPE (personal protective equipment). The "primary search" is often conducted before the first hoseline is stretched and in operation and extinguishing the fire. Firefighters carrying out a "primary search" under these circumstances will have with them "the can", a 2 1/2 gallon pressurized water fire extinguisher. The "Can-Man" at a "job" (working fire), will judiciously apply water around door frames to try to slow the spread of fire to facilitate the "primary search" and members will close doors of searched rooms to retard the spread of the fire throughout the structure, while trying determine the location of the "main body of fire".   

Finally, there was a "rolling response" to motor vehicle fire. Each Department sent an Engine (the fire apparatus which carries hose, water, and a pump), stretched a 1 3/4" handline and extinguished the fire.  

There was an EMS Re-Hab station set up to monitor the well being of all participants, as well as being present on scene, in the event of an actual emergency. Happily, there were no injuries.  

The Drill ended with refreshments and a debriefing led by Sparkill-Palisades Chief of Department Josh PANTER. The Old Tappan Volunteers were led by Deputy Chief Chris REILLY, Captain Kristel MOCKLER and Lieutenant Nick CRISCUOLO and they operated with the Department's 43 Engine apparatus.