Dracut Fire Department debuts new tower truck, conducts training
ByBoston 25 News Staff
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters practice extending the Tower toward a mill building in confined space. (Dracut Fire Department)
ByBoston 25 News Staff
DRACUT, Mass. — The Dracut Fire Department has deployed its new Tower 1 truck during intensive tactical training on Lakeview Avenue this week, aiming to enhance firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.
Dracut firefighters participated in hands-on training with the new Tower 1 truck, a 2025 E-1 model, which replaces an aging ladder truck from 1999.
The training was conducted by Truck Tactics, a Connecticut-based company specializing in ladder and tower truck operations, and included both classroom instruction and practical exercises.
0 of 11
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck he Dracut Fire Department's new Tower 1 truck, with its front wheels lifted off the ground by hydraulic jacks, is deployed by firefighters during intensive tactical training on Lakeview Avenue this week. Dracut firefighters received hands-on training to use the new truck that will significantly enhance firefighter safety in Dracut. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters have spent weeks training to use their new Tower 1 truck. The truck was deployed for the first time on Saturday. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck From left, Myles Rich and Michael Raffalo, from Truck Tactics, show Dracut firefighters how to most effectively deploy the hydraulic jacks on the new Tower 1 truck. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Truck Tactics Instructor Myles Rich and Dracut Firefighter Ron Patterson look down as they guide Tower 1's aerial platform back down toward the truck as training concludes. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters and an instructor from Truck Tactics train to use the Tower 1 truck's aerial platform. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters practice deploying and stowing a roof ladder to the side of Tower 1. The truck carries eight ground ladders in addition to its large 95-foot aerial ladder with platform. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck An instructor from Truck Tactics shows a Dracut Fire Department crew how to best place a ladder on the roof of a home during aerial operations. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters practice extending the Tower toward a mill building in confined space. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters practice extending the tower to a structure on the same level as the truck. (Dracut Fire Department)
Dracut Fire Department conducts training in new tower truck Dracut firefighters receive training on how to best deploy the hydraulic jacks on the new Tower 1 truck. (Dracut Fire Department)
“Positioning a ladder truck is an art that takes continuous practice,” said Chief Michael Cunha. “All of our Tower 1 crews have now not only familiarized themselves with this new truck, they have also received intensive training in how to most effectively take advantage of its capabilities.”
The training focused on several key areas, including ventilation, aerial operations, and the strategic use of offensive versus defensive tactics during fire incidents. Firefighters were also trained on when and where to vent a burning structure, ensuring they have the confidence and tools needed for various scenarios.
Tower 1 features a 95-foot ladder with a platform capable of carrying up to 2,000 pounds of personnel and equipment. It is equipped to pump thousands of gallons of water per minute through a fixed waterway, enhancing its firefighting capabilities.
Stationed at Dracut Fire Headquarters, Tower 1 will respond to all motor vehicle accidents with possible entrapment and all potential structure fires in town. The truck’s deployment is expected to significantly improve the department’s ability to conduct rescues and perform aerial operations.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
