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 February 8, 2026
Elkins, WV – February 8, 2026: Given the ongoing winter storms, remember to help our first responders help you. City Hall continues to ask residents and business owners to sign up for emergency text alerts. Anyone using a mobile phone can receive […]
Read More
First Fridays are Back in Downtown Elkins!
First Fridays have returned to the Elkins community, bringing renewed energy and excitement to downtown! Beginning Friday, February 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to gather with friends and family to experience all that downtown Elkins has […]
Read More
National Girls & Women in Sports Day – What It Means To Senator Nation
Today is National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). We’d like to commemorate this special day by going directly to the best spokeswomen possible: The proud young women who represent Davis & Elkins College and Senator Nation. We asked what athletics […]
Read More
Mayor Marco Issues CHD Awareness Week Proclamation
Elkins, WV, February 4, 2026: Today, Mayor Jerry Marco issued a proclamation recognizing Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week, which starts on February 7 and ends on February 14. This week in February, which national organizations including the Children’s Heart Foundation, the Centers […]
Read More
Preventing and Addressing Frozen Pipes in Elkins
Update: As of Monday, February 2, the Water Department has experienced a high volume of calls because of the extremely cold temperatures. The Facebook post is here. Please understand that if your pipes have burst or frozen, know that there will be […]
Read More
Free Monthly Life Skills Classes in Elkins Launch with Income Tax Prep Workshop
This Friday, community advocates and PRSS-certified professionals Samantha Ryan and Markie Jeffries are launching a series of free monthly life skills classes for Elkins residents. The first workshop will focus on income tax preparation basics, offering clear, helpful guidance for anyone who […]
Read More