Exeter Township and Shillington Firefighters Partner for Specialized River Rescue Drills

Exeter TWP, PA - Firefighters from the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department completed their final practical evaluations for the Water Rescue & Emergency Response (WRER) certification on Sunday, taking to the open river to test their life-saving skills in active water currents.

On September 13, 2026, members capped several weeks of intensive instructional and technical training by executing real-world water rescue evolutions. Responders navigated river dynamics, performed shore- and boat-based victim captures, deployed throw-bag retrieval lines, and practiced self-rescue and swimmer stabilization in moving water.

The comprehensive WRER course serves as the mandatory operational stepping stone for personnel seeking to qualify for the department’s specialized Water Rescue Team, laying the groundwork for advanced swiftwater and flood technician certifications.

Exeter Township fire officials commended the participating members for their commitment and extended formal thanks to Keystone Water Rescue Inc. for hosting and instructing the program.

Department leaders also recognized the Shillington Fire Company, whose members trained alongside Exeter personnel to bolster inter-agency coordination during regional water emergencies.