TRAINING DAYS: Dracut Fire Department Prepares to Deploy New Tower 1

The Dracut Fire Department’s new Tower 1 truck, with its front wheels lifted off the ground by hydraulic jacks, is deployed by firefighters during intensive tactical training on Lakeview Avenue this week. Dracut firefighters received hands-on training to use the new truck that will significantly enhance firefighter safety in Dracut. (Photo Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)

DRACUT — Dracut firefighters underwent intensive, hands-on training to use the department’s new Tower 1 truck this week, learning skills and tactics from a company that specializes in ladder and tower truck work.

Instructors from Truck Tactics, a Connecticut-based company that specializes in training firefighters to use tower and ladder trucks, spent a week in Dracut teaching firefighters in the classroom and on the road.

Dracut Fire Department members were trained by the truck’s manufacturer, Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, on how to use the apparatus and its features earlier this month.

The Truck Tactics training included both classroom instruction and hands-on learning focused on parking the Tower at a fire scene and positioning it effectively.

“Positioning a ladder truck is an art that takes continuous practice,” said Chief Michael Cunha. “All of our Tower 1 crews have now not only familiarized themselves with this new truck, they have also received intensive training in how to most effectively take advantage of its capabilities.”

Training also focused on ventilation, aerial operations, offensive versus defensive tactics, and when and where to vent a burning structure. The training was customized to give all Dracut firefighters the confidence and tools they need.

Tower 1 is a 2025 E-1 Tower truck that will make significant improvements to firefighter safety, and the ability of firefighters to make rescues and conduct aerial operations. It was deployed for the first time on Saturday.

The truck replaces an aging ladder truck that has been in service since 1999.

Tower 1 includes a platform at the end of a 95-foot ladder that can carry up to 2,000 pounds of personnel and equipment within an enclosed space where firefighters can safely work. The truck carries eight ground ladders.

The Tower is also capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute through a fixed waterway that extends upward along with the platform.

Stationed at Dracut Fire Headquarters, Tower 1 will be equipped with extrication tools and will respond to all motor vehicle accidents with possible entrapment. Tower 1 and its crew of three will also respond to all possible structure fires in town.

“This truck is going to significantly enhance firefighter safety and our ability to make rescues in emergency situations, and now our members are fully trained to begin putting it to use,” said Chief Cunha. “We are excited to deploy this vehicle and to continue keeping our promise to keep Dracut as safe as possible.”