WATCH: Southington FD Trains For Amusement Park Rescues

SOUTHINGTON, CT — While having friends in high places can be advantageous, being stuck in one is not.

Thankfully, the Southington Fire Department is capable of getting you to safety, whether stuck on a cliff or, even, on an amusement park ride.

Recently, the SFD, along with firefighters from New Britain and Meriden descended on the Lake Compounce amusement park in Bristol/Southington.

But they didn't go to ride roller coasters or enjoy a stomach-churning thrill ride.

They were there to train for if those rides ever malfunctioned and, suddenly, required riders or maintenance personnel to be rescued.

Thursday, the SFD posted a video of some of the training exercises and explained what it's been up to the past two weeks.

According to the SFD, the department's paid/volunteer staff have been "immersed" in an aerial operator program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

These vehicles have big ladders that reach up into the sky, capable of reaching several stories on a building and, even, the tallest of amusement park rides.

"We're fortunate to have been awarded the funding for this project in what is a highly competitive grant program," wrote the SFD.

Recently, firefighters swarmed Like Compounce for training exercises, practicing rescues from multiple park rides like roller coasters to Ferris wheels.

In addition, they were at Southington Community YMCA sites training as well.

The SFD, which thanked both entities for allowing for its training, said it will continue to post information about their high-altitude training, along with some gripping footage.

To watch footage of the Southington Fire Department train at Lake Compunce, click on this link.