On January 14, members of the Vernon Township Fire Department Company #1 joined personnel from three neighboring departments for a joint ice rescue training drill. In addition to operating a recently purchased ice rescue boat and going over crucial methods for handling winter water emergencies, crews trained together on frozen conditions. Coordination, communication, and safe operations when working on fragile ice were highlighted in the simulation.

Throughout the winter, the training gave responders practical experience to hone abilities that might be required in real-world situations. Joint drills, according to officials, improve departmental interoperability and guarantee tactical uniformity. Additionally, the department thanked Lake Wallkill for granting permission to use the location for the exercise.