Andy Fredericks, a veteran of Squad 18 of the Fire Department of New York City, taught almost three dozen members of the Hyattsville VFD 'bread and butter' engine company operations.

Firefighters Brian Gray and Mark Murphy advance a charged, flowing handline.

Specifically, the class focused on size-up and tactics, standpipe operations and hoseline placement / advancement. This dynamic class incorporated two days of both lecture and hands-on training for the HVFD membership. The course took place the Spring of 1999 at the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute in College Park.

Truck Company Operations

This two-day course specifically designed for the HVFD was taught by Bob Pressler, retired Lieutenant, FDNY, and Mike Lombardo, Captain, Buffalo, NY. The instructors specifically developed this session to focus on the operations of the HVFD based on the structures in our response area and fireground duties.

Firefighter Andrew Doyle hangs from a rope in the "Rope Slide" evolution

Topics covered during the two days -- which featured both lecture and hands-on training -- included search and rescue, size-up considerations for the truck company, building construction and 'Getting Out Alive' drills that featured the 'window bail,' the 'rope slide' and the 'Denver Drill.' This course was also held at MFRI in the Fall of 1998.

Rapid Intervention Training

Produced by the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, the HVFD participated in specialized rapid intervention/FAST training. This course was opened to the county's heavy rescue squads first so the HVFD was among the very first companies to go through this specialized training in the Spring of 1999. The course, held at the county's training academy in Cheltenham, MD, covered 'Getting Out Alive' techniques, dealing with SCBA emergencies and removal of downed firefighters/victims.

Firefighter Eric Bowers slides head first down a ladder in the "Window Bail" evolution

Continuing Training

In additon to these specialized courses the HVFD has taken part in during the last year, members of the HVFD participate in year-round courses and drills that include: vehicle extrication; rope rescue; fireground operations, building construction and inspections drills; area direction and structure/first due familiarization; and many more. County/state mandated training includes: CPR/EMT refresher; annual Infectious Control t raining; annual Hazardous Materials skills training; Confined Space refresher, to name a few. Before being cleared to ride all apparatus in the mask position within the Department, all HVFD Members are required to complete: Basic Recruit School (35 Hours), Firefighter I (120 hours) and Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (120 hours) and Rescue Technician (60 hours) ... in addition to completing mandated in-house and refresher trainings as described above.