Ice / Cold Water Rescue Drill

On 12/23/02, led by Twin District Volunteer Fire Company Chiefs, Jim Koral, Scott Robinson, Mike Hyde, Ray David and Firematic Lieutenant - Ron Rozler; firefighters from Twin District and Lancaster Vol. Fire Dept. conducted a nighttime ice and cold water rescue drill wearing specialized ice / cold water rescue equipment including suits, rope bags and a raft. The conditions were ideal for the exercise as there was a combination of water and debris along the shore, followed by an expanse of 4” thick ice that gave way to water near the center of the lake. The weather conditions were also ideal as there were brisk winds, with light snow, below freezing temperature and poor visibility. As a result, the conditions presented a likely scenario where rescuers would need to stage and then move across ice to a location where a victim(s) was trapped or had fallen through.

Participating in the event was Erie County Legislator, Dale Larson. Dale received safety instruction, donned a suit and made his way out onto the ice and into the cold water along with a Twin District Officer and a Fire Fighter. Upon exiting the water, Dale was later interviewed by local News Broadcasters.

The drill was conducted without incident and was critiqued back at the Twin District Hall.

The participation of members from the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Company was greatly appreciated. LFD presence was necessary as it takes a great deal of man power on the scene in order to handle rope lines, lighting, donning and doffing of equipment, EMS, etc. Members of LFD also donned suits and made there way into the Lake. An incident involving an ice or cold water rescue will likely require mutual aid assistance. Members of the Lancaster Vol. Fire Co., will likely be called upon by Twin District for incidents that occur throughout our district.

The following Twin District Firefighters participated in the exercise:
Mike Bohn, Gerald Chudy, Keith Curry, Carl Drechsel, Chris Drechsel, Jim Drzewiecki,
Cathy Ende, Carl Fricke and Dave Sawicki.