It was a case of fire meets ice this week at the pond at Johnston War Memorial Park.
Braving cold temperatures and a partially frozen pond, members of the Johnston Fire Department underwent their annual cold-weather rescue training at the park. Their hands-on exercises focused on ice water rescues, rope knotting, ice walking techniques, and the proper use of specialized rescue equipment.
Battalion Chief Thomas McCormick and Private Donnie Roberts, a firefighter with the department, emphasized the importance of the training, noting that the entire department would be participating.
“We have to be ready at all times, something could happen in five minutes time in any body of water in town, so we want to be ready for all types of emergencies, including this,” said McCormick. “We have two zodiac boats, so we’re prepared for water rescues all year long.”
While weather plays an important part in the training, with some years colder than others it can make training for all circumstances challenging.
“We try to do this training every year, if not every other year,” Roberts said. “We’re lucky enough this year where we have an ice shelf out there, so we can simulate things differently.”
A key component of this year’s training was the use of an ice rescue sled, which was made possible due to the presence of a stable ice layer on half of the pond.
“Last year and the year before, we had open water because of the temperatures,” Roberts explained. “So this year, we can utilize the sled. It’s a little bit different of a technique, and it’s nice to go through it and get a refresher on things to keep up with our skills.”
While firefighters honed their rescue techniques, the department urges residents to exercise extreme caution around frozen bodies of water.
“Right now, no ice in town is safe,” Roberts warned, citing guidance from the Department of Environmental Management.
Despite these warnings, individuals have been spotted ice fishing on Oak Swamp Reservoir, raising concerns about potential emergencies.
“We get calls weekly that there are people on the ice,” Roberts said. “That is up to their discretion, but it’s not our recommendation to be out there. We’re not really confident that the ice is going to be full thickness all the way through.”
According to Roberts, ice needs to be at least four inches thick to safely support a person’s weight. With fluctuating temperatures and recent reports of open water at the center of Oak Swamp, the fire department urges the public to err on the side of caution.
As winter conditions continue, the Johnston Fire Department remains prepared for potential emergencies, thanks to rigorous training sessions like these. However, they stress that prevention is key and avoiding risky ice conditions is the best way to stay safe.
The JFD does get some calls regarding animals that may be stuck out on the ice. If it is a domesticated animal, JFD recommends giving them a phone call. If it is a wild animal, they recommend contacting the Department of Environmental Management. Fortunately, the JFD do not get many ice rescue calls involving people during the winter.
“But we’re always ready for them, just in case,” said Roberts.
In the event someone finds themselves in a situation where they see someone has fallen through the ice, the JFD has solid advice.
“Call 911. Unless you have some type of rope or equipment that you think can help. But you can turn yourself from a rescuer into a victim, so just call 911,” said Battalion Chief McCormick. “Don’t make yourself a victim, you’re taking your life in your hands.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here