David Gambino
The Decatur Daily, Ala.
(TNS)
Aug. 15—The third round of initial water training for Decatur Fire & Rescue firefighters, Decatur police, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Morgan County Rescue Squad volunteers concluded Wednesday.
“Yesterday we did slow maneuvers, docking, 180-turns, just learning how to operate the twin-engine boat for when ours gets here,” said DFR driver/engineer Jared Rowe. “We want to be best prepared for when it gets here. It’s going to be a good asset to the city and the department and surrounding counties. Everybody’s looking forward to it.”
DFR expects to receive the new fire boat, equipped to defend against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, in February 2025, according to Chief Tracy Thornton.
Alabama Law Enforcement Trooper Chad Dyer, of the Marine Patrol Division, led Wednesday’s training with the help of the Rescue Squad’s vessel.
“All the firefighters are receiving training, so Decatur Fire offered us some slots for — actually the Sheriff’s Office and the Rescue Squad — to participate and be in the training as well, so it was a great opportunity for them to do a joint training and all of us come together and work together,” said Rescue Squad Chief Danny Kelso.
“They’re going over all aspects,” he said. “Boating maneuvers, navigation, man-overboard drills, stuff like that.”
A DPD officer from the Waterborne Response Unit also participated.
“The water training provides a great opportunity for agencies to refine their skills, improve response capabilities and ultimately better serve the community,” said DPD spokeswoman Irene Cardenas-Martinez.
— david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
___
(c)2024 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)
Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
