FAIRFIELD, CT, August 14, 2013: Wednesday  morning Fairfield’s bravest completed their annual department-wide navigational training aboard Marine 7, with Fire Lieutenant Roger Caisse at the helm taking fire companies in rotation out of the South Benson Marina to view offshore hazards during low tide. All Fairfield Fire Department personnel are required to hold boating certification and receive annual training in the operation of their watercraft, according to Caisse, who along with Fire Fighter Joe Rainis developed and conducted this year’s refresher training. “The Fairfield Fire Department works closely with our Police Department’s Marine Division in responding to medical calls all along our coastline,” explained Lieutenant Caisse, “but it’s extremely important that all our personnel become very familiar with our waters.” Fire and Police vessels are frequently dispatched throughout the year to assist boaters and persons who have become trapped by the rising tide or submerged rocks, “particularly along Penfield Reef,” added Caisse. Two years ago the Fire Department was called to the scene of a coal ship fire four miles off the Fairfield Coast by the Coast Guard, which they extinguished with the assistance of the FDNY Marine Division and the 700 foot transport ship’s owner. “With Hurricane Irene coming ashore two days later it didn’t make the headlines,” said Caisse, “but it was not the kind of boat fire you expect to encounter when you join the Fairfield Fire Department.” Joint marine training with the Fire and Police Departments along with the United States Coast Guard are in development for later in the year, according to the Fire Department Training Division.