Bloomfield Prepares For 'Extreme Weather Events' With More Training, Equipment

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Fire Department is ready to respond “swiftly and safely” to local emergencies throughout this hurricane season – and beyond, officials say.

With the Atlantic hurricane season underway and expected to peak in the coming months, the Township of Bloomfield has been taking proactive steps to protect residents from increasingly severe weather.

One of those steps? New training and equipment for local firefighters, town officials say.

According to a municipal news release:

“The Bloomfield Fire Department recently completed Swiftwater Rescue Training for 25 personnel, 21 at the technician level and four at the operations level, ensuring the department is well-prepared to respond to water emergencies, including flash floods that are becoming more common due to climate change.”

The Swiftwater Rescue Training program involved more than 40 hours of both hands-on and classroom instruction. It follows a four-phase certification process and meets the rigorous standards set by NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1670, which govern technical rescue operations and training.

Bloomfield Fire Chief Louis Venezia also noted that the BFD recently added a Zodiac rescue boat to its fleet, which will be a big boost during water-related emergencies.

Equipment is only part of the equation, however, the chief said – highly trained personnel are needed to operate it effectively.

“The recent flash flooding tragedies we’ve seen across the country are a stark reminder of how dangerous and fast-moving these events can be,” Venezia said.

“I’m proud of our firefighters who completed this challenging training,” he added. “They've shown exceptional commitment to enhancing their skills and protecting our residents.”

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said the town is stepping up its preparedness efforts as extreme weather events increase.

“Our strategy includes collaborating with the state and other municipalities to form a Regional Flood Mitigation Committee, investing in critical equipment and resilient infrastructure, and ensuring our emergency personnel receive continuous, advanced training,” Mundell said.

The completion of Swiftwater Rescue Training is a key part of that strategy, she added.

“It equips our firefighters with the skills they need to respond effectively to fast-moving water emergencies and protect our residents,” Mundell said.

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