COEYMANS HOLLOW, N.Y. (Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025) — Members of the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Company conducted a hands-on drill Tuesday night to identify and preplan potential helicopter landing zones across the fire district, officials said.

The exercise focused on ensuring safe access for medevac helicopters such as LifeNet, which can provide lifesaving transport for critically injured patients in the rural district.

Training officers assigned members to various locations—including open fields, large intersections and residential yards—where they set up and commanded landing zones.

Fire officials said preplanning LZs is critical in emergencies where hospital access by ground may take too long. “A medevac helicopter can be a game changer—cutting response time dramatically and saving lives,” the department noted.

The drill was part of CHVFC’s ongoing preparedness efforts. Officials encouraged new members to consider joining, noting the department trains weekly on Tuesday nights.