Southold FD Hose & Pump Training Day
 
By EMT/Firefighter Jim Fredriksson
August 30, 2021
 

Chief Peggy Killian and training officers John Rumpler and 2nd Asst. Chief David Surozenski lead the way with practiced determination during the Hose & Pump Drills training session held on the afternoon of August 29th. The Southold Fire Department continues the legacy of on-going training for both seasoned firefighters and the latest group of ‘Probys’, young or otherwise, mostly inexperienced trainees to get them familiar with some of the basic skills and techniques of firefighting while also attending the firefighting academy during their basic training.

Ex-Chief Bill Byrnes worked with both experienced and trainee firefighters to instill and enhance hydrant hook-up skills, hose handling, nozzle selection and proper water dispersal drills.

Pump Relays.
Delivering water from the hydrant to the first relay truck via LDH, (5”, Large Diameter Hose), allowed for high pressure water to be fed through three 100’ sections of LDH to a bifurcation valve, known as a "Y" connector located at the second engine. From the ‘Y’ valve we fed water to Engine 8-4-2 where the hose handling drills were practiced and, with another 100’ of LDH, to another multi-valve, positioned near the third truck in the relay, 8-4-1, a ladder truck. Firefighters then had the opportunity to go ‘up in the bucket’ to practice with the nozzles that provide water to a fire from height as necessary and practical. Trained pump operators and chief drivers, John Roslak, Commissioner Brett Kehl, 2nd Lt. Steve Geehreng and Mark Walters then managed the pump pressures to deliver water to the hoses and other trucks, a ‘water- ballet’ that requires experience and a watchful eye.

The jobs not done until…
Proper care of hoses includes the process of laying the hose back in the truck beds after training or an emergency. Proper procedures for using, maintaining and storing hoses helps ensure longevity, safety and efficient dispersal and hook-up while responding to emergencies and helps instill safety measures and emergency preparedness skills.