County looks to create technical rescue team

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2024 at 8:15 am

Group would be trained for rope rescues, grain entrapment and water rescues

File photo by Tom Rivers: Ray Keffer of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company is on shore while three firefighters head out into the icy water of a quarry by the Erie Canal in Murray to go after a dog on Jan. 4, 2020. Firefighters were able to safely bring the dog to the shore. They also assisted the owner of the dog in getting up the embankment. The Orleans County Emergency Management Office wants to create a technical rescue team for rope rescues, grain entrapment and water rescues.

ALBION – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office is looking to create a technical rescue team for firefighters from multiple departments to train and work together and share equipment.

The team would be trained for highly technical rescues, such as rope rescues, grain entrapment and water rescues. There will be a public hearing at 4:25 p.m. on Feb. 20 for the creation of the Technical Rescue Team. The hearing will be at the legislative chambers of the Orleans County Office Building, 14016 Route 31 in Albion.

“We will have joint training where will we all work together,” said Justin Niederhofer, the EMO director.

Carlton, Clarendon, Medina, Murray and Shelby fire departments each have equipment for technical rescues. Firefighters from those departments, as well as other departments without that equipment, will have an opportunity to be trained to be on the technical rescue team.

Not all departments with rescue equipment have the same gear. The team will train on each department’s equipment to be familiar with the ropes, harnesses and other tools. Some departments also have grain rescue equipment which includes steel plates and an augur. The team members will also have wet suits for going into the water.

Niederhofer said firefighters deploy rope rescues when people are stuck down ravines and embankments.

The formation of the team will also increase the chances for grant funding for equipment and training, Niederhofer said.