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 May 3, 2026
Elkins, WV — May 2, 2026: Elkins City Hall is asking local businesses to do their part to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by decorating their storefronts in the weeks before July 4. Learn more by visiting City Hall’s website: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/elkins-business-owners-america250/. Disposal […]
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Recycling Reminder: Glass and Yard Waste Only
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The Flynn Planetarium, located inside the Eshleman Science Center on the Davis & Elkins College campus, offers activities for students, faculty, and community members. The planetarium is currently run by Dr. Jerod Caligiuri, an assistant mathematics professor at D&E who also serves as […]
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Scam Alert: Fake Court Citation Texts Circulating
Don’t panic. Don’t click. Here’s what to do if you get one. The Elkins Police Department recently learned of a text message scam targeting West Virginia residents. The message claims you have an unpaid traffic citation or toll violation and threatens court […]
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Regional Task Force Tackles Transportation Gaps, Housing Shortage, and Vandalism at April 2026 Meeting
Elkins, WV — April 27, 2026: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health convened on the afternoon of April 23, 2026, at the Phil Gainer Community Center. The monthly meeting, which was open to the public, brought together local […]
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Elkins Tree Board Celebrates Arbor Day with Memorial and National Tree Plantings
Elkins, WV — April 27, 2026: The Elkins Tree Board celebrated this recognition at the annual Arbor Day celebration at the Phil Gainer Center with representatives of Mon Power’s Arbor Day Tree Line USA program. The representatives, along with Elkins Tree Board […]
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