November’s team drill focused on two major skill stations: line gun operations and drone support. For many newer members, it was their first time seeing how these tools work and can be utilized either individually or together during water and technical rescues.

A lot of folks don’t know what a line gun is. It’s a specialized device that launches a high-strength line over long distances, typically ... (Full Story & Photos)

Recently, our team partnered with the Phoenixville Fire Department for a joint nighttime search-and-rescue drill in Reservoir Park. A couple of “lost hikers” were staged within the trail system to create a realistic response scenario.

Ground crews from both agencies searched on foot and by UTV while our DJI M30T scanned the area using the onboard thermal camera. After the first victim was located, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last month, our team trained alongside Telford Diving & Rescue Unit and Chester County Parks + Preservation Park Rangers during a joint dive drill at Black Rock Dam. Divers from all three agencies entered the water downstream of the dam and proceeded to train directly under the boil to build comfort and control in moving water. Low-flow conditions made it an ideal environment for this type of training.

We ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last month, members of our team and Upper Uwchlan Police Department got together to conduct specialized drone flight training. Together, we practiced operating drones in challenging conditions—including GPS-degraded and GPS-denied environments, as well as close-quarters flying near walls and obstacles. We also sharpened our skills at several NIST training stations. These exercises help ensure we’re ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last week, our Team was called to assist the Wagontown Fire Company, Honey Brook Fire Company #1, the Large Animal Rescue Team from Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, and Park Rangers in a search and recovery operation for a horse at Chambers Lake in Hibernia Park, near Coatesville. Upon arrival, we deployed a boat and sent divers with gear to the other side of the lake. Our team used sonar and underwater cameras ... (Full Story & Photos)

Yesterday, Friendship Fire Company's own Monica Vega successfully completed sixth months of training to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician. All the Officers and Members of Friendship send their congratulations to EMT Vega on a job well done!... (Full Story & Photos)

Last week, our Team was deployed to support the Ludwigs Corner Fire Company, East Nantmeal Police, and PA State Police in a search operation in East Nantmeal Township. Our team dedicated several hours to searching the area utilizing our DJI M30t thermal drone. The Pennsylvania State Police's Aviation Patrol Unit and Tredyffrin Township Police Department's UAS unit also participated in the search, ... (Full Story & Photos)

This past weekend, our UAV Team engaged in a collaborative training exercise with pilots from Pennsylvania Canine Search and Rescue (Pacsar), Upper Uwchlan Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police at Pennhurst. We tackled three distinct courses, scored according to the NIST quantitative standard. These courses were strategically designed to challenge us with various obstacles ... (Full Story & Photos)