St. Leonard, MD — Firefighters and EMTs from the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company 7 participated in a specialized training drill hosted by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) on Thursday evening, gaining valuable insight into the often invisible dangers of electrical emergencies.

The drill, held at the firehouse, featured live demonstrations and expert instruction from SMECO linemen, highlighting the power and unpredictability of electricity in emergency situations. Crews were educated on how electricity behaves around downed wires, vehicles, and utility equipment and the importance of waiting for a trained SMECO lineman to declare a scene safe before acting.

“This training gave our members a realistic understanding of just how dangerous electricity can be, even when it looks harmless,” said Chief Ricky Weems II. “The SMECO team’s demonstrations were excellent, and the knowledge shared could very well save lives both for our first responders and for the people we serve.”

The evening focused on situational awareness, electrical hazard recognition, and coordination between first responders and utility crews. Members had the opportunity to ask questions, handle equipment, and witness real-time simulations of what happens when high-voltage lines come into contact with vehicles or the ground.

St. Leonard VFD extends sincere thanks to SMECO for their time, expertise, and dedication to first responder safety. This kind of proactive partnership strengthens the readiness and resilience of the community’s emergency response system.

For more information on training opportunities or to learn more about the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, visit www.slvfd.org