Downe Township Dive Team Completed FTM-1 Search and Rescue Training

Downe Township, N.J. — October 10 — Nineteen members of the Downe Township Fire/Rescue and Dive Team successfully completed FTM-1 training on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This course provided the essential training required for these members to join Cumberland County’s land search and rescue team.

The county team was coordinated through Upper Deerfield Fire Company #33 and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department. The training equipped Downe Township members with the knowledge and skills necessary to follow New Jersey’s updated protocols for land search and rescue operations.

Search and rescue missions require careful planning, clear communication, and effective coordination among all responding agencies. The New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management developed a statewide framework for search and rescue that ensures standardization in training, qualifications, procedures, and coordination at the state, county, and local levels.

For firefighters and rescue personnel, initial training helps build a common understanding of operational standards before they are assigned to field operations. Working under shared procedures also enhances the ability of agencies to work together during search missions.

Successfully completing FTM-1 was a significant milestone for the 19 members as they prepare to support Cumberland County’s search and rescue efforts. Their training increased the team’s preparedness to respond to land search requests when needed.

The department’s involvement also strengthened collaboration among local fire, rescue, and law enforcement agencies that participate in search and rescue operations throughout Cumberland County.