Westmere, NY — January 27th —Members of the Westmere Fire Department participated in hands-on training in ropes and knots, with an emphasis on life-safety applications. The lesson went over fundamental skills needed during rescue operations, where tight knots and adequate rigging are important. Firefighters practiced basic knots such the figure-eight follow-through, figure-eight on a bight, and bowline. Other techniques addressed included the becket bend and quick harness, as well as locating safe anchor spots. Crews also examined a 3-to-1 mechanical advantage device for raising a stokes basket from a lower level.