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.
Work for Elkins Wastewater Dept. as a Technician, a Career AI Can’t Replace
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 4, 2026 — The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is searching for a Wastewater Collection Technician I, II or III. This is a full-time position with benefits and will remain open until the position is filled. Final placement […]
Read More
EFD Accepting Applications for Entry-Level Firefighters Through Aug. 21
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 3, 2026 — The Elkins Fire Department (EFD) is seeking candidates for entry-level appointment to the ranks of paid, civil-service firefighters. Although there are currently no immediate openings, the department is accepting applications from Monday, Aug. 3, through […]
Read More
City Hall News: Week of August 2, 2026
Elkins, W.Va. — August 1, 2026 — The City of Elkins thanks local community groups and residents for their support for our neighbors in Upshur and Lewis Counties. We are deeply grateful for their generosity. Elkins Water Department is Hiring! The City […]
Read More
Build a Career with Elkins Water Department – Water Technician Openings (Level I, II or III)
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 31, 2026 — The City of Elkins Water Distribution Department (Water Department) seeks a Water Technician I, II or III to help manage the municipal water system at the plant located at 192 High Street Extension. This job […]
Read More
Help Shape Elkins’ Future: Apply for Planning Commission Vacancy
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 27, 2026 — The City of Elkins seeks candidates to serve on its Planning Commission. The vacancy is for an unexpired term that ends on December 31, 2027. Full terms on this commission are for three years. The […]
Read MoreElkins City Council Approves FY 2027 Budget Revision Using Surplus Funds
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 23, 2026 — At its July 23 meeting, Elkins City Council approved the first budget revision for Fiscal Year 2027, reallocating an additional $531,594 in surplus funds left unspent from Fiscal Year 2026. Combined with the $686,183 in […]
Read More