CANTON— Canton Fire Department members recently undertook a training exercise that simulated rescue techniques in the confined space of a manure pit.

Former Canton Fire Chief Robert Crowe reported that the training used a “confined space manure pit simulator” to enhance the department’s readiness in the event of an emergency involving a manure pit.

The exercise was presented through an effort of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County in cooperation with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS),  which provides emergency responders with the basic knowledge needed to respond to emergencies on farms.

The training was put on by NECAS Director Dan Neenan, who provided a classroom training session followed by a hands-on session that saw fire personnel confined in a training simulator brought in on a trailer.

Crowe reports that the training was very informative and relevant to the response areas of those departments attending. Emergency responders from Lisbon, Canton, Potsdam, West Potsdam, Brier Hill, Morristown, Star Lake, Richville, Gouverneur, and Rennselaer Falls were present for the training event.

The training also featured a tour of nearby Five Mile Farm, which allowed participants to see different types of manure pits in a farm operation and learn about how they are constructed and used.

Canton Fire extended their thanks to Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, Five Mile Farm, NECAS, the Lisbon Fire Department, and the various sponsors that made the training possible.