Firefighters must rescue individuals in precarious situations, all while placing themselves in harm’s way.
North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue conducted high-angle rescue training last week at the W. R. Grace & Company, a chemical company in North Bergen.
The Fire Department reenacted a cliff rescue, in which a firefighter was lifted to the top of a 40-foot chemical tank. The firefighters, with the aide of many other members of the department, then rescued a dummy from the top of the tank and lowered the dummy to safety.
Deputy Chief Anthony Avillo said that the training replicated some of the rescues they complete along the Palisade cliffs. A rescue company, two ladder companies, and several squad companies took part in each training session.
“I commend then for working together with us in providing a better level of service to the entire community.” – Jeff Welz
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“These commercial type buildings are the leading [structures] for firefighter multiple deaths,” said Avillo, who explained that their partnership with the chemical company allows the department to know the layout of the building just in case of an incident.
Department receives donation
W. R. Grace Production Supervisor Chris Troyano said that the company has also pledged to donate $4,000 this year, with an additional $4,000 for each of the next three years.
Troyano explained that last year, their donation had to be scaled back because of the economy, but that they continue to support the department because it is in their best interest. Having the department train on-site helps Grace fulfill their safety requirements.
“[The donations] help buy equipment if they need to respond to the site, like air monitors and new ropes and all those kinds of things that they may not have money in their budget for,” said Troyano.
Troyano said that the company stays open during the training drills, and while it can be “cumbersome” for employees, it is reassuring to know that rescue training takes place on site.
According to Battalion Chief Michael Falco, who is the liaison between the Fire Department and Grace, three separate training exercises, as well as a walk-through inspection, have been completed this year. He said that Grace has been the only company to offer their facilities for training.
“On behalf of myself and the Fire Department, we are very appreciative of Grace industries,” said Falco. “Not only for continuing to donate money to help our rescue unit buy specialized equipment, but also for allowing us the opportunity to use their facility to enhance the training of the personnel, which protects the people of the North Hudson region.”
Simulating the cliffs
Avillo said that the facilities allowed the department to train for cliff rescues without any of the visibility issues or poison ivy.
“I commend then for working together with us in providing a better level of service to the entire community,” said co-NHFRF Director Jeff Welz. “It’s tough financial times for governmental agencies. I can’t speak for them personally as a private company, yet they still make sure they maintain annual purchasing for specialized equipment.”
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.