The firefighters in Nesquehoning took some heat last weekend and attended a weekend training program at KME in Nesquehoning.

With high humidity and soaring temperatures the volunteers braved the elements.In 2012, KME was certified by the PA State Fire Academy as an approved certification testing facility. Nesquehoning is on their way for National Certification once again.On Saturday, an HACC local level Instructor presented a review program providing an overview of the required skills necessary to successfully complete the driver\operator\ pumper state certification.NFPA 1002, the standard for fire apparatus driver/operator professional qualifications, identifies the minimum requirements for firefighters who drive and operate fire apparatus in both emergency and non-emergency situations.On Sunday, State Fire Academy evaluators were on hand as the fire-fighters demonstrated competency in the necessary knowledge and skills, to perform the minimum requirements of an emergency vehicle driver/operator.Taking the skill stations test were 10 firefighters from Nesquehonig Hose Co and one individual from the New Columbus station.Fire Chief John McArdle stated that even though many of the Firefighters have been operating the engines for many years, this certification guarantees that they have met national certification levels as qualified individuals who are competent operators. Nesquehoning already has four operators who have previously passed the certification program as driver\operator\ pumper and will be adding 10 more.