MONTOUR FALLS, NY (5 October 2007) - Firefighter Schmidt (24) and Fisch (31) have completed the coursework to become New York State Rescue Technicians in Rope. The program requires you to take 4 classes that totaled 120 hours or about 4 weeks of training as well as being a NYS EMT or First Responder. The program worked from the basics of rope knots and systems to the most advance systems and high-lines. The classes also trained the members in both urban and wilderness situations so that they are multi-versed.

The certifications will work with the city's ever growing expansion into it's park system with trails that often parallel hills and cliffs creating more technical rescue hazards. Along with numerous other urban hazards such as the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, general facilities, and confined space hazards; the city continues to expand it's technical rescue program through the fire department.