NYSEG Partners with County Firefighters to Support Hands-On Training

NYSEG installed utility poles at the Columbia County Fire Department training facility in Ghent 

Collaborations like this allow firefighters direct training for downed wire situations  

 

Ghent, NY — June 20, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) worked with the Columbia County Fire Department to create a more realistic environment in the Department’s training yard. The installation of poles and wires supports local municipal fire departments’ drilling and practice scenarios dealing with downed wires and poles caused by storms and motor vehicle accidents.  

 

“Safety is a core value at NYSEG - for the public, our employees, and first responders. While our infrastructure is essential, it can be hazardous if mishandled,” said Corey Rapp, Senior Director of Health Safety and Training for Avangrid. “Partnerships like this exemplify our commitment to safety in every aspect of our work. In addition to being an employee for Avangrid I am also a proud volunteer fire fighter in New York State, and I know contributions like this can really help the communities we support.” 

 

NYSEG regularly collaborates with first responders across New York State to ensure that when a downed wire or pole is involved, crews can be there to assist and make the area as safe as possible. This cooperation emphasizes the shared goal between NYSEG and first responders of putting the safety of the community above all else.  

 

In addition to the installation to help train local firefighters, NYSEG is continuously investing in its infrastructure to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical grid for customers and the communities it serves. The Company also offers training at no cost to fire, EMS, police/security, public works, contractors, and community officials upon request. 

 

“NYSEG power poles and wire installation has greatly enhanced the training being provided at our emergency services training facility in Ghent, NY,” George Keeler, Columbia County Fire coordinator, said. “By having a realistic street scape, including overhead power infrastructure, located near our fire training building we can simulate real life conditions for engine and ladder truck placements when responding to a structure fire. Additionally, by having the same type of utility structures near our vehicle fire and extrication area, we can incorporate obstacles like power poles and guard rails that are typically involved in auto accident scenes. These additions are not energized and make for a safe and realistic component to training on equipment and operations typically used at a fire or emergency scene.”