Homer Firefighters Completed Fall Fire School With Downed Hunter Drill

Homer, N.Y. — October 23 — The Homer Fire Department ended its Fall Fire School on Friday with a training exercise focused on rescuing a hunter who had fallen and was injured or unable to move in a forested area. This exercise was led by Joe Congdon, who is identified by the department as 575.

During the training, firefighters had the chance to practice procedures for responding to situations where a hunter is injured or immobile in a wooded area. These scenarios often require firefighters to navigate rough terrain, evaluate possible access routes, and plan how to safely reach and move the injured person.

Search and rescue missions in outdoor environments may involve working together with other responders, carefully handling the patient, and using appropriate equipment to transport someone who is hurt over difficult ground.

These training sessions allow crews to review communication methods, assign roles, and plan rescue strategies before encountering similar challenges in real emergencies.

The final session also signaled the conclusion of the department’s Fall Fire School, which had included training on ground ladders, search and rescue techniques, and joint vehicle extrication exercises earlier in the month.

The department expressed its appreciation to American Legion Post 465 in Homer for allowing the use of its property on Brake Hill for the exercise. Having access to suitable training locations enables emergency responders to practice field operations in a controlled environment.

The Homer Fire Department, based at 45 South Main Street, continues to prioritize hands-on training to ensure preparedness and enhance the team's capability to handle various emergency situations.