Cadets are seen using the Jaws of Life while doing an extrication station during Fire Day. During Fire Day, camp cadets are shown all aspects of fire protection including proper knot tying, using the hoses, door breeching and navigating their way through a “smoke” filled building.
Granby’s First Responder Camp is offered to teens entering 9th and 10th grade, providing them the hands-on experiences that first responders do on a daily basis. The August 2026 camp was the fourth “sell-out” camp and plans are underway for 2027 with bigger and better ideas.
Sergeant Cuscovitch and Officer Reardon of the Avon Police Department teach camp cadets safe tactics when dealing with an operator of a vehicle during a felony stop. During Police Day, camp cadets are shown all aspects of policing including crime scene investigation, taser training, felony motor vehicle stops, DUI enforcement and K9 handling.
Officer Loucks assisted K9 Officer Curtin, both from Torrington Police Department, with a K9 demonstration. The Torrington Police Department has been a huge asset for each of the First Responder Camps. Photos by Tori Scott (Officer Nichole Abalan’s sister)
Chief Kate Coupe of the Granby Ambulance Association, teaching camp cadets how to properly apply a tourniquet. During EMS Day, camp cadets are shown all aspects of medical services including CPR, tourniquet application, airway control, use of the ambulance and stopping the bleed.
Fire Day also included the Lifestar landing, which gave cadets the opportunity to experience the helicopter up close and personal while learning all about what Lifestar does on a daily basis to save lives.
