Mitchell Fire Protection District Joins Regional Tender Shuttle Training

GraniteCityGossip.com, August 29, 2025

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, members of the Mitchell Fire Protection District participated in a hands-on tender shuttle training exercise hosted by the Troy Fire Protection District. This annual event brings together fire departments from across the region to strengthen interagency coordination and sharpen critical firefighting techniques, especially those involving water supply in areas without hydrants.

The training focused on tender operations, where specialized water-hauling units deliver water to remote fire scenes. These tenders feed into portable dump tanks, which serve as temporary reservoirs for fire engines to draft from. The engines then supply water to ladder units and other apparatus actively engaged in fire suppression.

Mitchell’s own Engine/Tender Unit #1125, affectionately known as the Green Monster, played a key role in the exercise, working alongside neighboring departments to ensure smooth water transfer and system efficiency.

“This training allows for many departments from around the area to train together as well as familiarize each other with the equipment that each department has. This becomes useful in times where assistance may be required especially when it comes to water supply on a fire scene.” a Mitchell FPD representative shared.

In rural or industrial areas where hydrants are scarce, tender shuttles are essential for maintaining a steady water supply. Events like this not only improve technical readiness but also build trust and teamwork among departments that may be called upon to assist one another in high stakes situations.

The Mitchell Fire Protection District expressed its gratitude to the Troy Fire Protection District for hosting the event and continuing to provide valuable training opportunities year after year.

“It was a great training, and we appreciate Troy FPD for setting it up!