St. Marys Fire Department and Zorra Fire and Emergency Services join forces for training

On the evening of August 10, 28 members of the St. Marys Fire Department and Zorra Fire and Emergency Services - Uniondale Station conducted pumper relay and tanker shuttle training after a Mutual Aid Agreement between the St. Marys Fire Department and the Township of Zorra was approved by Council.

A Mutual Aid Agreement allows participating fire departments to request and receive assistance from neighboring fire departments when needed. When participating in mutual aid, fire departments have a first obligation to emergencies in their municipality or jurisdiction, a second obligation to mutual aid calls, and then to calls in areas covered by fire protection agreements.

Training is the backbone of any fire department and shared training is another benefit of a Mutual Aid Agreement. Training produces a well-prepared force that through repetition increases the speed of an operation and enhances proper execution while reducing injuries.

 “Departments should routinely train with mutual aid departments. These exercises enable members to form friendships and share experiences that will benefit each department when called upon to operate together on future incident scenes,” St. Marys Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson says.

Firefighters are often faced with life-and-death situations and find themselves under extreme stress while performing their duties, so training is an essential part of emergency preparation.

“Zorra Fire is composed of three stations spread across the Township. It is important that the Uniondale Station not only work alongside the sister stations within the municipality, but those neighbouring just outside the boundaries as well.” says Zorra Fire Chief Deanna Kirwin. “Having a mutual understanding of how each department sets up on scene and deploys resources in addition to available equipment and operational practices, prior to the emergency occurring, prepares all firefighters to work safer and more efficiently when called upon by the community”.

Questions about the St. Marys Fire Department can be directed to randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-1752.

Contact

Richard “Andy” Anderson | Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
Phone: 519-274-3939 | Email: randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca