Typically, we don’t showcase many of our project sites before construction because some buildings remain vacant temporarily before demolition or renovation. While Bonacio Construction teams may not be doing much on-site work, this time is perfect for our local first responders to use the space as training grounds. Recently, we had the Saratoga Springs Fire Department (SSFD) train at the sites of the AC Marriott Hotel (formerly the Turf & Spa Motel), Brookmere (formerly Longfellows), and a new project on Regent Street. We’ve also had the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office train at the 78 Church Street Condominiums site (formerly Carpetland) and Brookmere.
We asked the SSFD’s Acting Assistant Fire Chief, Robert Murphy, to provide insight into these training sessions. Here’s what he said about the training at the Regent Street site, “We conducted hose line advancement and search and rescue drills at the property. This included searching for victims (training mannequins) in an unfamiliar environment with limited or zero visibility and moving charged hoses into and throughout the building to simulate the difficulties we can encounter with stairs, turns, and distance of travel in buildings around the city. This property, in particular, was extremely beneficial because of its unique design, age, and use. It had elements of both educational and business-type occupancies while also sharing many aspects with the large Victorian homes that Saratoga Springs is known for.”
Asked about the benefit of using these spaces, Murphy explained, “It is very important for us to not only train frequently – which we do, but train in the most realistic situations possible. Through the gracious support of Bonacio Construction, our crews can refine their skills in buildings that better reflect the challenges they may encounter in emergency incidents than even the most advanced simulators and training props can provide. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department is very grateful to Sonny, Tony, and the rest of the Bonacio Construction team for their long history of support and for allowing us to train at their project sites; we look forward to doing more in the future.”
Giving back to our community remains one of the pillars of our business. We’re happy to provide our first responders with training areas to hone their skills, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them.
As it’s First Responders Day, we’d also like to thank all the first responders throughout our communities. We appreciate your tireless efforts to serve and protect our local areas.
