EFD Members Advance Their Skills with Intensive Swiftwater Rescue Training
Three members of the Elkins Fire Department (EFD) are now even better equipped to respond to water emergencies after successfully completing a rigorous Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician course.
The intensive three-day training, held near Oakland, Maryland, focused on advanced techniques for navigating fast-moving water, victim recovery, and team safety in hazardous flood conditions. This specialized skillset is critical for protecting both the public and first responders during severe weather events and water-related incidents.
The commitment to continuous training is a cornerstone of professional fire service. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters in larger career departments spend an average of 90 hours per year on drill and training activities, ensuring they are prepared for any emergency. EFD civil service and volunteer fighters train almost daily; schedule weekly training sessions; and depending on their schedule, easily complete a total of anywhere between 100 to 200 hours of training annually.
New firefighters train for several hundred hours before they become firefighters, whether they are volunteer or civil services members of EFD.
This recent training underscores the department’s ongoing dedication to achieving the highest level of readiness and service for the Elkins community.
To view a photo essay from this demanding training course, take a look below.
Scroll through the gallery above to view all photos.
City Hall News: Week of March 1, 2026
Elkins, WV – February 28, 2026: The City of Elkins is offering residents and business owners free reflective address numbers. Please don’t let snow, fog, or darkness hide your home or business if first responders have to arrive on the scene in […]
Read More
Spring Means a New Series of Tree Talks!
The Elkins Tree Board and Kump Education Center will launch a new Tree Talks Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m., inviting the community to learn more about the region’s Appalachian woodlands and the challenges they face. The free, three-part […]
Read More
Elkins Seeks Ideas from the Public for the 250th Anniversary of the United States’ Independence
*Elkins, WV, February 24, 2026: Mayor Jerry Marco announced today that the City of Elkins will begin planning its official celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, known as the Semiquincentennial, culminating on July 4, 2026. This historic milestone presents a unique […]
Read More
Preventing and Addressing Frozen Pipes in Elkins
Please understand that if your pipes have burst or frozen, know that there will be an extended wait. If your call comes after working hours or on weekends, and the problem is not the Water Dept.’s water meter, there will be a […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of February 22, 2026
Elkins, WV – February 21, 2026: The winter storms may have subsided for now, yet Elkins City Hall still asks residents and business owners to sign up for emergency text alerts. Anyone with a mobile phone can receive important alerts including weather […]
Read More
Regional Task Force Hosts Public Forum, Highlights Prevention and Peer Support Initiatives
ELKINS, WV — February 20, 2026: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health held a public forum on February 12 to provide community updates on local efforts to combat addiction while expanding local resources. The meeting, held at the […]
Read More