The Waltham Fire Department recently completed a course designed to train firefighters in the techniques of trench rescues.

Under the direction of Training / Safety Deputy Chief Brock Rolland, Fran Clark of C&C Fire Training Consultants and member of the Regional Technical Rescue Team, firefighters spent four hours of in the classroom and 24 hours of on-hands training.

Of the seven engines, one rescue pumper, one heavy rescue and two ladder trucks in the department, approximately 60 firefighters assigned to both rescues as well as an engine and ladder from the central fire station were trained.

Firefighters also designed and outfitted a Trench Rescue Trailer to respond for such incidents.

Photos by Peter Lobo