PORT JERVIS, NY – During the month of December, 2025, firefighters from Port Jervis Fire Department and Sparrowbush Engine Company (NY), and Matamoras Fire Department (PA), took part in a three-hour drill in a Sussex Street house (64) which is owned by the City of Port Jervis and planned for future demolition.

 Members of all PJFD companies, and chiefs and firefighters with all three departments, were represented at the drill and were able to work on various skills throughout the evening. Some of the skills practiced were hose line advancement, VES (vent, enter, search), breaching walls, search exercises, entering the building off of the ladder truck, ventilating, and cutting with saws.

There was also a similar December, 2025 exercise in a North Orange Street house that is planned for future demolition and whose owner granted permission for the drill. Drills are planned for additional structures in the near future.

Besides the responses of local volunteer firefighters to all types of emergency calls, each firefighter is required to complete many hours of training and various levels of response certifications. Careful records are kept for participation in training throughout the year, and individual certifications.