Story and Photos by Bill Xikis

NORTHERN BROOKHAVEN, NY - Members of the Northern Brookhaven Technical Rescue Task Force conducted a drill at the abandon Stern’s store in the Smithaven Mall.

Two scenarios were set up. One requiring supplied air where a victim fell into a confined space. Rescuers were lowered on a 4:1 mechanical advantage attached to a tripod, into the space. They packaged the victim and hauled the victim and the rescuers out.

The second required members to conduct a search on a debris pile and locate a victim trapped under a collapse. Rescuers were lowered onto the debris pile from a hole on the second floor into the first floor. The rescuers then had to search for the victim who was trapped under debris from a collapse. The victim was packaged and removed.

The members present were split in half and each group worked on one of the two scenarios. When they were complete the groups switched to work on the other.

Special thanks to Smithtown Fire Marshal Andy Brofman for coordinating this drill with Ex-Chief Gary Kreidler - Team Liaison - Centereach FD, Chief Randy Miller - Hagerman FD and Chief Bill Xikis - Selden FD. Teams in attendance were, Setauket, Centereach, SUNY Stonybrook fire marshals, Selden, Hagerman, Mt. Sinai, and Ronkonkoma and 40 members.