ORANGE — The Orange Fire Department will hold a ropes and boat operation training session on Saturday, April 7, on Millers River, conducted by Firefighter Jason Rushford. This is the annual class conducted for fire department personnel in preparation for River Rat Race weekend, which is Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, April 15.
Training begins at 9 a.m., and Rushford expects it to continue on the department’s so-called “Boat 1” on the water around 9:30 a.m. Training will involve orientation on the new boat and its features — teaching boat operations and crews practicing rope and bag throws from shore.
This year, the department is training on their new Zodiac Milpro ERB380 rescue boat, which they recently acquired. It replaces the old rubber boat used for the past 22 years.
The $11,000 approved by voters at Town Meeting covered the cost of the boat, replaces a plywood trailer with a metal one, included lettering (done by Jake Lyman and his crew at Lyman Signs), and accessories to outfit the boat for service.