When floodwaters rise, conditions can change in seconds. Roads can become impassable, vehicles can become trapped and water can quickly turn a routine storm into a life-threatening emergency. Responding to these situations requires technical training, and New Milford Fire Department volunteers can train in swiftwater rescue to develop the skills needed to safely operate in moving water and perform rescues.
For Thomas Mulligan, who joined the New Milford Fire Department in 1992, that training has become an important part of more than three decades of volunteer service. After growing up around firehouses as part of a family of firefighters, Mulligan researched the local department when he moved to New Milford and decided to join. More than 34 years later, he has responded to thousands of emergency calls and developed skills in leadership, teamwork, organization and making decisions under pressure.
Provided at no cost to New Milford volunteers, the swiftwater rescue training is designed to build the skills needed to assess water conditions, recognize hazards and make sound decisions during water emergencies. The weekend course, typically held on the Delaware River, combines classroom instruction with physically demanding, hands-on exercises. Members learn how to safely use personal protective equipment and rescue systems, progressing from shore-based rescue techniques to more advanced in-water operations.
For Mulligan, the importance of that training is personal. During one major flooding event in New Milford, firefighters responded to numerous water rescues. At one home, floodwaters had reached the second floor, where an eight-year-old child with special needs was trapped with her family. Unable to swim and frightened by the surrounding water, she needed to be carried to safety.
Mulligan carried the child through the flooded home and into a waiting rescue boat, keeping her calm and distracted throughout the rescue until she and her family reached safety.
“That’s one of the calls that has always stood out to me,” Mulligan said. “Being able to keep her calm, get her out safely and reunite her with her family is something I’ll never forget.”
Experiences like that reinforce the importance of having firefighters who are prepared to respond when flooding puts residents in danger. More recently, New Milford volunteers responded to more than 20 calls for service in just a few hours, including assisting motorists trapped by rising floodwaters on New Bridge Road alongside the Teaneck Fire Department.
The department utilizes a five-ton high-water rescue vehicle and three boats to respond to flooding emergencies, rescue people from floodwaters and mitigate hazards, including entering flooded basements to secure utilities.
Swiftwater rescue is one of the many specialized skills New Milford volunteers can pursue through the department. No prior experience is required to join, and all training and gear are provided at no cost.
For Mulligan, the opportunity to learn specialized skills is just one part of what has kept him involved for more than three decades. New Milford has become a defining part of his life, providing a sense of purpose, camaraderie and connection to something larger than himself.
“The fire department became a part of my life and helped define me as a person,” Mulligan said. “It’s a family, in some cases closer than actual family, and you feel like you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself.”
Today, Mulligan continues to volunteer while running his roofing business and spending time with his wife and two daughters. He encourages others to consider volunteering if they are looking for a meaningful way to give back to their community.
In addition to swiftwater rescue, the department needs volunteers to assist with firefighting, water rescues, forest fires, hazmat situations and other emergency calls. No prior experience is required, and training and gear are provided at no cost. The department also offers a Junior Firefighter Program for high school students ages 14 to 17 to develop valuable skills and gain hands-on experience in the fire service.
To learn more about volunteering and to fill out an inquiry form to get started, visit joinnewmilfordfire.org.