Salisbury, MD — Firefighters from the Salisbury Fire Department are nearing completion of their Rope Rescue Technician certification, with the final practice evolutions recently held at Station 16 through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
This rigorous three-part class includes 90 hours of instruction, preparing students to safely and effectively perform rope rescues. During their most recent training, students conducted litter raises and lowers with an attendant. Crews positioned at the top of the training tower were responsible for constructing the appropriate rope systems to safely raise and lower a simulated load in the litter basket. The litter attendant played a crucial role in maintaining the proper orientation of the litter and negotiating obstacles such as edges and windows throughout each evolution.
Students rotated through each role, gaining experience commanding an evolution, operating a lower or raise system, and serving as a litter attendant.
The class will conclude on July 2. Upon completion, firefighters not currently on the roster will be added to the Salisbury Fire Department’s Special Operations Team – an elite group of approximately 20 members trained in multiple technical rescue disciplines, including rope, trench, and confined space rescue.
Training such as this is routinely offered to Salisbury Fire Department members as well as members of outside departments. Firefighters train every day for two hours while on shift, and many members take additional training off-duty on a variety of specialized topics.
The Salisbury Fire Department is always accepting applications for employment. While applications remain open continuously, testing processes are scheduled based on the number of applicants, typically every four months. Individuals interested in joining as career firefighters can apply on the City’s website. Volunteer applications are also always being accepted and can be submitted through the Fire Department link on the City’s website or in person at Station 16, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on employment, volunteering, or training opportunities, visit https://salisbury.md/departments/human-resources/careers
