Drill

Drill Night: Hydrant Assists

For this week’s drill, members of Fire Rescue Company 1 refreshed their skills on hydrant assists and portable hydrant evolutions. Hydrant assist operations are utilized when there is insufficient water pressure being received by the initial engine (pumper) being supplied by a fire hydrant. This can be rectified by placing another pumper on the hydrant and boosting pressure in the supply line that is feeding the initial pumper. Additionally, crews practiced deploying our portable hydrant, which allows multiple supply lines to be established from a single supply line. Both of these water supply techniques were recently employed at a large mutual aid fire, highlighting the importance of maintaining proficiency with these fireground operations. Consistent training ensures our members remain prepared to support extended firefighting operations both within Mahwah Township and throughout our mutual aid region.

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Drill Night: Ari bags

For this week’s Wednesday night drill, members of Rescue Company 1 conducted training on airbag operations. Firefighters reviewed the components of the airbag system, proper setup procedures, and stabilization techniques required for a safe operation. These specialized tools, carried on Rescue 1 and Rescue Engine 117 are essential for vehicle extrication, structural collapse rescue, stabilization, and other technical rescue scenarios where controlled lifting operations are necessary. Consistent training with our equipment ensures our members remain proficient utilizing the tools we carry on our apparatus.

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Probie Drill

This week, Company 1’s probationary firefighters conducted training on power tool operations, focusing on grinders and our portable bandsaw. These tools are essential for various rescue and forcible entry operations, and early proficiency ensures our newer members are prepared to assist on the fireground. We would like to thank our experienced members who took the time to mentor and train our probationary firefighters during these evolutions. Passing on knowledge in the fire service is a huge component to being successful on the fireground.

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Department Drill

Last evening, Fire Companies 1, 2, 3, and 4 conducted a joint training drill at an acquired structure within the Township. Firefighters practiced multiple search and rescue techniques including Vent-Enter-Search (VES) operations through second-floor windows, primary search patterns, and victim removal from various locations throughout the structure. These realistic evolutions allowed members to sharpen their skills and work on challenges they would face during operations. Training opportunities in structures scheduled for demolition are invaluable, as they provide our members with real-world environments that cannot be replicated with traditional training props. We would like to thank the property owner for allowing us to utilize this building for training purposes. Job well done by all members who participated in this valuable training evolution.

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Ice Rescue Drill

For this week’s drill, members of Fire Rescue Company 1 continued to sharpen their ice rescue skills. Firefighters rotated through multiple rescue evolutions, practicing victim approach, extraction techniques, and equipment deployment on an icy pond. Consistent training with these specialized skills ensures our crews remain prepared to respond effectively to ice rescue emergencies throughout the winter months. As a reminder, we urge all Township residents to stay off frozen ponds and waterways, as ice conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

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Training Weekend

This was a busy weekend for the volunteer firefighters of Company 1, with members completing multiple advanced training courses. Beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday, several of our firefighters braved extreme cold and frigid water to complete their Ice Rescue Technician Certification, taught by RPI. This specialized training provides our members with the skills and techniques necessary to safely rescue victims who have fallen through ice on frozen bodies of water. Simultaneously, additional firefighters completed bailout training at the Bergen County Fire Academy. This essential course teaches firefighters emergency self-rescue techniques to rapidly exit a burning structure when conditions deteriorate, often requiring escape through upper-story windows. We would like to congratulate and thank our dedicated members who sacrificed their weekend to obtain these advanced certifications. Their commitment to training ensures Company 1 remains prepared for the diverse technical rescue scenarios we face. Special thanks to the Bergen County Office

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Ice Rescue Drill

For this week’s drill, members of Rescue Company 1 conducted ice rescue training. Firefighters rotated through scenarios as both victims and rescuers entering the frigid water practicing proper techniques for victim approach and extraction of victims who have fallen through the ice. This specialized training ensures our crews remain proficient with our ice rescue equipment and procedures during the winter months when these incidents occur. Thank you to our partners at Mahwah EMS for standing by on scene and providing rehab. We would like to remind all Township residents to exercise extreme caution around frozen bodies of water. Ice thickness can vary significantly and what appears safe may not support weight. Please stay off the ice on local ponds and waterways.

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Joint Drill

This past Wednesday evening, Mahwah Fire held a department drill at an acquired structure within the Township. Firefighters practiced multiple realistic scenarios including advancing hose lines, fire attack operations, victim search and rescue, and rescuing a downed firefighter. The acquired structure provided an invaluable opportunity for our members to practice our skills in a real-world environment rather than traditional training props. This multi-company drill also allowed firefighters from across the department to train together, strengthening our coordination and teamwork. We would like to thank the property owner for allowing us to utilize this structure for training purposes. Job well done by all members who participated in this valuable training evolution.

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Drill Night: engine company ops

A little rain doesn’t stop us from responding to emergencies, so it won’t stop us from training! For this week’s drill we worked on engine company ops. Our junior and probationary firefighters worked on hose line advancementwhile the more experienced members worked with master streams and practiced pump operations. These fundamental skills remain critical to our operations regardless of weather conditions. After drill, we enjoyed a meal that was graciously donated by one of Mahwah’s newest businesses, Stella Nails and Spa. We welcome you to the Township and sincerely appreciate your generous donation. @stellanailsnspa Photos/videos may not be used or reproduced for any reason without express permission.

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Extrication Drill With EMS

For this week’s (04/30/2025) drill Rescue Company 1 teamed up with Mahwah EMS for a joint extrication drill. The scenario for the drill was a 2 vehicle MVA, one rolled over on top of the other with multiple patients trapped with severe injuries including amputation. Before working to extricate the patients, firefighters had to first stabilize both vehicles using cribbing, struts, and chain sling rigged to a winch. After initial access was gained, EMS was able to evaluate the trapped patients, and our members completed multiple extrications using various tools to create enough space for patient removal. The drill was a great opportunity for both agencies to hone our skills and learn more about each other’s needs at these types of incidents.

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