TONAWANDA, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2025) — Fire companies from across the Town of Tonawanda came together Wednesday for a joint training exercise hosted by the Ellwood Fire Department.

The drill centered on “waterball,” a game developed by fire departments in the 1940s. Crews use hoselines to push a ball across a rope toward an opposing team’s backboard.

While the competition offers bragging rights, firefighters said it also helps members strengthen teamwork, sharpen communication and practice hose handling.

Participants included members of River Road, Kenmore, Kenilworth, Sheridan Park and Brighton volunteer fire companies.