Summertime means one thing - Driver Training and Re-Qualification time at the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department.

Taking advantage of the great weather this past week, members of Washington Engine Company conducted a drafting drill on Sunday the 29th, near Croton Landing. Here, aspiring drivers and current drivers took turns conducting several pumping evolutions. With half of Croton's district lacking hydrants, it isn't uncommon for our units to pull water from ponds, lakes or pools. Knowing how to do this is paramount for all of our department's Engine Company drivers.

Assisting with this drill were members of Explorer Post 2089, who helped by manning the hose lines while our members rotated at the pump panel. A total of three trainees and four current drivers took their turn pulling water from the Hudson and flowing up to 1,500 gallons per minute. The drill ended around 1PM.

On Monday night, after reviewing the apparatus and the equipment on it, E119 went to the CET School to do some apparatus backing exercises. Four trainees took turns backing around the horseshoe driveway while another trainee spotted them. Once everyone had a crack at this, the trainees took turns telling the driver how to get to certain parts of the district.

As of this writing, Washington Engine has six members in the Driver Training Program for Engine 119, and hopefully by the end of this year will be able to add them to the Driver's List.