Chatham Twp. Firefighters Train In Advanced Extrication

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Two Chatham firefighters are now trained in advanced tactics for getting people out of confined spaces in intense emergencies.

Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Michael Coyne and Firefighter Luke McCorry traveled to South Carolina for the Southeastern Extrication School, the Department reported in a social media post. Firefighters from around the country attended the event last weekend.

On Saturday they participated in Confined Space Extrication where firefighters worked through challenging incident situations where access is limited. The scenarios were planned to make firefighters "think outside the box" for solutions, the statement explained.

Coyne described some situations in which the training may be useful, such as if a car goes down an embankment or a vehicle is up against a tree or maybe has gone under a tractor-trailer. He said the challenge comes if a person needs to be accessed without moving the vehicle.

"In an ideal world, a car is on four wheels and you have 360-degree access. But in real situations, you have to figure out how can you make it work," Coyne said.

On Sunday, the firefighters participated in Chop Shop RX, reviewing basic extrication principles and introducing them to new advanced tactics to handle situations with newer models of vehicles being manufactured today.

"The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department continuously strives to stay up to date in new tactics in order to provide the highest quality of service to the residents," the Department's post stated. "Providing professional, lifesaving, emergency services is our number one priority."

Coyne noted the Department is always looking for volunteers and membership.

The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department has served the Chatham Township community since 1925. The Department is entirely made up of volunteer members, including active firefighters, junior firefighters, and associate members. Its volunteer firefighters are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and answer 400 calls for service annually, according to the Department website. The department operates its headquarters on River Road and a second station on Southern Boulevard.

Anyone who wished to may donate to the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department here.

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