Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
An effective fire company establishes a positive water source as soon as possible on the fire scene. In many situations, initial attack operations may often be delayed until this can be completed. Working off tank water from the engine company does not allow for additional lines or back-up support of the first-in company.
Establishing a positive water source from a hydrant, like any skill, takes practice. Review the content of your hydrant bag, kit, or other locally developed tool and appliance system. If you have multiple types of hydrants or special procedures for operating on hydrants in your community, be sure to review the SOP that governs those operations. Make sure you make the proper notifications for using fire hydrants in your community, if required.
Download this week’s firefighter training drill as a PDF HERE.
MAD Training and Response Solutions
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as fire chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety, and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices, now in its 3rd edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety, and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.
