KENT, Conn. — Watching first responders up close and personal as they work is nothing short of extraordinary.
They exhibit sharp focus, work efficiently, communicate seamlessly and exude tremendous calm.
Those skills were put to the test the evening of Thursday, Oct. 2, when Kent Volunteer Fire Department held a drill that involved a live demonstration featuring a motor vehicle rescue and car fire.
Members responded to a mock motor vehicle accident with two passengers, a driver trapped inside the car, portrayed by firefighter Taylor Christen, and a manikin passenger trapped under the vehicle.
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After extricating the passengers, the vehicle was set on fire and firefighters extinguished it.
The drill was on held on department property.
Captain Tim Sneller said the department offers weekly training, with a different topic each time.
“This is very important,” said Training Officer Bill Smith. “We have to keep sharp and keep our skills sharp.”
To read a story about the danger of firefighting and cancer, click here.Kent Volunteer Fire Department held its monthly training session Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at the firehouse. The drill consisted of rescuing two individuals from a vehicle following an accident, followed by extinguishing the car that caught on fire. Firefighter Taylor Christen portrayed the driver of the motor vehicle and a manikin portrayed a passenger caught under the vehicle. Firefighters stay focused as they hose down the car fire. Photo by Deborah RoseThe right gear is important for first responders. Photo by Deborah Rose Firefighters quickly respond to a “passenger” under the vehicle during the drill. Photo by Deborah RoseFirst responders assess the manikin passenger at the start of the drill. Photo by Deborah RoseEMT Dante Leon tends to the needs of the manikin passenger after it was rescued from beneath a motor vehicle. Photo by Deborah RoseFirst responders work swiftly to rescue a manikin “passenger” during the drill. Photo by Deborah Rose The Jaws of Life are used to rescue the passengers during the drill. Photo by Deborah RoseMany tools are used for an extrication. Photo by Deborah Rose A firefighter removes the driver’s door from the vehicle. Photo by Deborah RoseFirst responders wait for direction from the captain. Photo by Deborah RoseA firefighter breaks through the windshield of the vehicle. Photo by Deborah RoseThe assistant chief shines a light on the vehicle as others peel back the car’s roof. Photo by Deborah RoseFirefighter Taylor Christen, under the sheet, portrays the driver of the motor vehicle, waits to be removed. Photo by Deborah RoseFirefighter Taylor Christen is transported to the stretcher after being removed from the vehicle. Photo by Deborah RoseChains are often needed for calls. Photo by Deborah RoseAfter the vehicle’s roof is peeled back, responders practice using tools to access other parts of the vehicle. Photo by Deborah Rose Firefighters continue to disassemble the car. Photo by Deborah RoseEMTs Laura Day and Dante Leon review the contents of one of the many bags in the ambulance. Photo by Deborah RoseProbationary firefighter Alicia Winter smashes the rear window of the vehicle during the session. Photo by Deborah RoseFirefighter PJ Haviland packs up a gauge. Photo by Deborah RoseThe Jaws of Life. Photo by Deborah RoseTechnology Officer Jean Speck documents the training. Photo by Deborah Rose The vehicle burns during the drill. Photo by Deborah Rose Three firefighters handle the hose in an effort to extinguish the car fire. Photo by Deborah RoseA firefighter takes his turn at extinguisher the car fire. Photo by Deborah Rose
Deborah Rose is a lifelong writer, photographer, poet and award-winning journalist. As assistant editor of the Kent Dispatch, she brings us more than 25 years in community journalism and, as a lifelong...
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