Watch Hill firefighters participated in an Emergency Vehicle Operators Training Course last week.

The Rhode Island Southern Firefighter’s League hosted approximately 45 drivers from 9 member departments at a joint training exercise that involved maneuvering ambulances and fire trucks through an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course at Misquamicut State Beach.

The Southern Fire League has offered this practical training program several times since a free train the trainer program was offered by our insurance carrier.

The instructors that set up the course and coordinated the vehicles throughout the day included: Charlestown Rescue Chief Andrew Kettle, Misquamicut Fire Deputy Chief Steve Howard, Hope Valley Fire Captain Mike Deninger, Hope Valley Fire Captain Patrick Hawkins, and Watch Hill Fire Lieutenant Christopher Koretski.

In addition to providing instructors, the Watch Hill Fire Department, the Hope Valley Fire Department, and the Charlestown Rescue also contributed vehicles and equipment including an equipment storage trailer, a command trailer, and over 200 traffic cones.

Special thanks to the Special Signal Association Providence Canteen for providing refreshments and facilities throughout the day.

Special thanks to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for allowing the use of the State Beach property.