STURBRIDGE, Mass. (Sept. 4, 2025) — A Sturbridge firefighter-paramedic took part in a two-day swift water rescue training exercise earlier this week on the Deerfield River, officials said.

Firefighter Paramedic Towns, assigned to the District 7 Swift Water Rescue Team, joined Western Massachusetts crews for drills simulating daytime and nighttime rescues, managing river rapids and testing gear readiness.

The District 7 team is working toward full deployable status to respond to water emergencies nationwide, including those tied to flooding and natural disasters.