Over the past several weeks, some TVFD members completed various certification courses around the area.

Captain Grazioli attended a "Rural Fireground Water Movement" class at Churchtown FC. This class teaches safe, efficient, and recommended methods of water supply in the rural environment using tanker trucks and large diameter hose. Driver/operators of Engine 69-5 attend this class to build upon the basic skills required to perform water supply operations at large scale fire incidents.

Captain Grazioi and Firefighter Englander completed a vehicle rescue refresher course also hosted by Churchtown FC. This course reviews hazards and techniques of vehicle rescue operations, tools, stabilization, access, extrication, and vehicle anatomy. All TVFD officers and senior firefighters are certified basic and special vehicle rescue technicians. Members attend this course periodically to keep themselves updated on rescue techniques and skills.

Firefighter Gehman completed his "Entry Level Firefighter" certification through Montgomery County Fire Academy. This course consisted of over 188 hours of both classroom and hands on instruction covering topics including: intro to the fire service, safety, equipment, fire behavior, water supply, hazardous materials, building construction, ladders, communications, sprinklers, forcible entry, ventilation, suppression, salvage, and firefighter survival. TVFD is proud to be certified by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner as having over 75% of our active force certified to a minimum of National Pro-Board Firefighter 1.

Congratulations to these individuals and every TVFD member who attends classes to keep their skills proficient and to better themselves to serve along side their fellow firefighters and the community.