On Saturday January 14, members of the MAVFC, Sykesville-Freedom VFD and Winfield VFD came together for a battalion training at the Mount Airy station. The goal of the day was to review the procedures to use the aerial devices and their equipment to setup a rope system and rescue injured victims from an elevated or below grade position. This skill is critical when victims are in areas where they cannot be carried out on a stretcher to an awaiting ambulance due to being in a difficult position or location. All companies were honored to have Commissioner Guerin in attendance who has shown a commitment to the fire service in stopping by on numerous occasions to see how the departments operate in Carroll County.

MAVFC employee FF Brian Jefferson led the training with assistance from other members and officers. The skills acquired during these training evolutions build off firefighter training classes such as Rescue - Site Ops and are required for our members to be fully qualified to respond on Truck 1. Three of our newest firefighters are now fully cleared to respond on the ladder truck and one of our drivers who is training to drive Truck 1, was also able to complete valuable skills related to the aerial operations and set up.

The battalion drills that companies in the 3rd Battalion are doing have been a huge success. We look forward to continuing to keep our department and fellow county departments personnel trained and ready to respond for the citizens.