Dracut Fire Department Hosts Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Pumps and Hydraulics Training for Dozens of Firefighters

Firefighters gather around the control panel of a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) engine outside of Dracut Fire Department Headquarters on Friday during Pumps and Hydraulics training offered by the MFA. Dozens of firefighters from Dracut and other communities went through the training, which prepares firefighters to get the water flowing through engines and tankers, a critical skill in battling fires. (Photo Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)

DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department hosted the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy as the MFA provided Pumps and Hydraulics training to dozens of firefighters from Dracut and other communities.

On Wednesday, April 9, and Friday, April 11, the Dracut Fire Department’s Headquarters Station hosted the MFA’s Pumps and Hydraulics training, which includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises.

Friday consisted of mostly practical exercises, with firefighters learning to draft and pump water using engines. Station setups at individual fire engines taught participants drafting, relay pumping, and troubleshooting. Participants also learned to operate multiple hoselines from a single engine.

The training offered in Dracut was one of about a dozen Pumps and Hydraulics courses that the MFA will teach statewide in 2025. The MFA provides training for firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, on three campuses and at local fire departments all over the state to better serve the needs of their staff and communities. Delivering consistent, professional training to hundreds of municipalities each year helps local firefighters develop their skills, but it also ensures that neighboring departments will work seamlessly on mutual aid calls.

The Dracut Fire Department is committed to training and hosts a variety of training opportunities for firefighters throughout the year to build skills and keep them sharp.

“Hands-on training with pumps and hydraulics — actually flowing water — gives firefighters the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build essential muscle memory,” said Chief Cunha. “DFS set up stations focused on troubleshooting, drafting, and relay pumping, giving us a well-rounded training experience. Having DFS come to Dracut to conduct this training not only helps our firefighters maintain those skills, but it also gives us the opportunity to train alongside our mutual aid partners from neighboring towns. These joint trainings strengthen our interdepartmental relationships, ensuring that when we respond together on an emergency scene, we do so seamlessly and effectively.”

Dracut Firefighters participated in the training alongside firefighters from Bedford, Haverhill, Hull, Lincoln, Lynnfield, North Andover, Tyngsborough, and Walpole.

“Water is the oldest and most fundamental tool we have in the fire service, and courses like this one help firefighters build and maintain the perishable skills required to use it effectively,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “Training today saves lives and property tomorrow. We’d like to thank Chief Cunha and Dracut Fire for their hospitality and recognize their outstanding work.”