The Suffolk County Water Authority on Tuesday launched a Fire Department Outreach Program with a presentation to the Suffolk County Fire Marshals Association. The purpose of the program is to share information with Suffolk fire departments about SCWA operations, in particular those areas that directly impact the ability of firefighters to carry out their public safety mission.
"We are looking to strengthen the partnership between SCWA and Suffolk fire departments," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo. "Gaining a better understanding of the workings of SCWA’s system will help firefighters do their job. We also expect to gather valuable feedback from departments about their priorities, and such information will benefit our operations moving forward."
In making their presentation to the fire marshals, SCWA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations Joseph Pokorny, Mechanical Supervisor and Emergency Manager Philip Thompson and Assistant Superintendent of Production Control Warren Jensen highlighted issues such as the different water pressures throughout SCWA’s distribution system and how these varying pressure zones impact the water pressure available at a hydrant at the scene of a fire. Fire hydrant design and operation were also discussed at length.
Also reviewed was the support that SCWA personnel can provide at major fires, as well as pre-planning assistance available to individual departments.
This training is available to any Suffolk County fire department. SCWA personnel experienced in fire department operations will lead the sessions. Training may be conducted at firehouses or the SCWA Education Center, 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. To schedule a training session, contact Debbie Pfeiffer, SCWA Fire Department Outreach Coordinator, 631-563-9708 or deborah.pfeiffer@scwa.com).
Pictured is Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations Joseph Pokorny discussing SCWA operations with Suffolk fire marshals.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.