Multi-Department Fire Training Held at Hilltop Building

CEDAR SPRINGS — Firefighters from four local departments gathered on the evening of May 11 at the Hilltop school building for a joint fire and rescue training designed to strengthen coordination and mutual aid response.

Courtesy of Solon Fire Department

Participating departments included Cedar Springs, Solon Township, Sand Lake, and Courtland Township.

The training focused on interior fire attack, VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search) operations, and controlled wall breaching techniques. Firefighters operated in smoke-simulated, low-visibility conditions while practicing hose deployment, thermal imaging camera (TIC) usage, coordinated search efforts, and victim removal.

One scenario simulated a lower-level classroom fire in a school setting, where crews advanced a hose line to a basement stairwell before attacking the seat of the fire. Another evolution required firefighters to breach interior walls to access and remove a simulated victim when primary exits were obstructed.

Courtesy of Solon Fire Department

Safety remained the top priority throughout the exercise, with full protective equipment required and instructors overseeing all operations.

Cedar Springs Fire Captain Greg Seely said the training was valuable for all agencies involved.

“We had a great turnout. It was a great training and experience for all our agencies. It helped to solidify and strengthen the bond between the fire departments in our area that we would be calling on for mutual aid. We are grateful to Cedar Springs

Schools for letting us use the Hilltop building for this training.”

The remaining departments also extended their thanks to Cedar Springs Public Schools for providing the facility.

Courtesy of Solon Fire Department

Captain Seely went on to say joint trainings like this ensure firefighters are prepared to work seamlessly together when real emergencies occur, helping keep the community safe.