Bedford Fire Department first responders have been honing their driving skills this week on a competency course set up in the Fox Lane Middle School bus circle and parking lot. Since 1st Assistant Chief Andrew Klein is a certified EVOC instructor, he is able to lead us through both the classroom and driving portions right here in Bedford.

The competency course replicates various difficult driving maneuvers we may face out on emergency calls, such as tight and repeating curves (serpentine), offset and diminishing alleys, alley docks, narrow spaces, and stopping close to an obstacle without hitting it with limited visibility. Our drivers must navigate each obstacle driving forward and in reverse, and practice until we can complete the course cleanly and within a time limit.