Aerial Operator Training

 
June 1, 2026
 

West Grove Fire Company firefighters traveled to the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in Modena for training on ladder driver/operator training.

At a planned scenario day, ladder truck operators were able to practice positioning ladder trucks in various scenarios. For example, one scenario is how to deploy the aerial on a tight street where parked vehicles limit the use of outriggers that stabilize the ladder truck. Crews also reviewed apparatus placement and positioning for different building types.

Following this scenario training days, firefighters Alex Litchfield, Mike Lindsay, Bob Hannan and Pat Kilory will go through certification testing. At the WGFC, continuous training is something the fire company is known for and practices as part of its organizational culture.
 
Units: Ladder 22
 
Ladder trucks from three companies participated in scenario training.
Ladder trucks from three companies participated in scenario training.
 
WGFC Ladder 22 is set up during driver/operator training at the County Training Campus.
WGFC Ladder 22 is set up during driver/operator training at the County Training Campus.
 
Operating in tight quarters and using "short jacking" is practiced.
Operating in tight quarters and using "short jacking" is practiced.
 
Scenario training day is used to simulate ladder operations like in this set up -- on a tight street with a narrow operating environment.
Scenario training day is used to simulate ladder operations like in this set up -- on a tight street with a narrow operating environment.