On Saturday morning, the West Grove Fire Company offered a multi-hour training opportunity for new and junior members. The fire company's continuing effort to recruit new volunteers continues to generate interest, and special trainings are offered to help these new members learn skills and to ease entry into the fire and EMS service.

The morning drill featured a split session, with members first learning about where to find gear on the company's ambulances. Members were shown the operation of stair chairs and stretchers, including how to operate new power lift equipment to help load patients more safely into the ambulance. Crews then went outside to discuss water supply tasks, like hooking up to a fire hydrant, and the role of firefighters who get off the truck to begin laying supply lines.

Then the training opportunity in New London get more real, when the WGFC was dispatched to assist the Union Fire Company of Oxford 21 on reported smoke in the building at the McDonalds restaurant in Oxford. The new members joined with experienced firefighters to staff Ladder 22 and Engine 22-3 and respond to the call. WGFC's Engine 22-1 and Engine 22-2 also made the response.

Units were advised of a smoke condition in the McDonalds. Oxford's Engine 21-2 arrived first and laid a line from the hydrant, with Ladder 21 raising its aerial to the roof. Firefighters had the staff and patrons leave the building due to a light smoke condition. Engine 22-3 arrived and took a position at the hydrant to complete the water supply. This allowed the new members to get hands-on experience at dressing the hydrant and setting up the supply line at an actual emergency scene.

Ladder 22 and Engine 22-2 arrived with crews joining the manpower pool, as Command 21 began scaling back the incident as it was determined that there was no actual fire. WGFC crews assisted Oxford in taking up the supply line, with all units clearing the scene in about 30 minutes.

For the new members at WGFC, Saturday's session was a learning experience for sure.