Specialty Rescue
The
Department of Fire and Emergency Services has three specialty services companies
known as rescue companies. At least one rescue company responds to all major incidents
in order to provide specialized equipment and expertise.
Rescue 1: Water Rescue
Rescue 1 doubles as the City's water rescue team. This highly trained team responds
to all water emergencies. The team is equipped with a van and a trailer which houses
water rescue gear, two boats, and water-to-land communications equipment. The river
rescue team also includes highly trained scuba divers. Selected volunteers from
various city fire companies have been equipped and trained in underwater rescue
and recovery.
Rescue 2: High Angle and Technical Rescue
Rescue 2 doubles as the Technical Rescue Team. Firefighters assigned to Rescue
2 have received specialized training in trench rescue, building collapse, vehicle
extrication, rope rescue, and numerous other specialized programs.
Rescue 3: Hazardous Materials Team
Rescue 3 doubles as the City's Hazardous Materials Team. The personnel assigned
to this company have received specialized training and utilize sophisticated equipment
to respond to all reported hazardous material emergencies throughout the city.
