Helicopter Training

By: Lieutenant Rob Tobin
      Fire Station 10 B-Shift

Throughout the year, the United States Park Police (USPP) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue work very closely together all along the Potomac River. As a result, each year, the personnel from Fire Station's 10 and 30 have to recertify in helicopter tactics and safety with the USPP.

Yesterday, personnel reported to the Headquarters of USPP in Washington DC. to recertify. The training varies from 4-6 hours depending on the size of the group.

All personnel were provided a review of the different pieces of equipment that we may utilize throughout the year. The equipment is not just for injured residents visiting Great Falls Park, but also distressed individuals who may have fallen into the Potomac River. Also we, as rescuers, can be placed in dangerous situations that may require immediate removal from the river.

That's why it is important that we recertify with this equipment each year. It's also an excellent opportunity to get know one another from each agency. As the relationships strengthens, the safety for both the residents and rescuers grows.

Pool and Water Safety Week

As part of our Summer of Safety initiative announced last week by Fire Chief Lohr, each week will have a different safety theme.  This week it is Pool and Water Safety.

Below, please take a moment to watch a report from FOX 5 News that was done last week with personnel from our River Rescue Team as well as Division Chief Scott Goldstein.  This report clearly highlights the dangers associated with the Potomac River in and around the Great Falls Park area and all along the C & O Canal.

Please heed the warning as otherwise we may end up meeting you by "accident!"

  

DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

Potomac River - - Just Stay Out!

Firefighters Distribute Safety Tips Over the Holiday Weekend

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel were out in force over the Memorial Day weekend in and around the Potomac River reminding visitors of the inherent dangers associated with the river and passing out safety tips aimed at informing and educating visitors to stay out of the Potomac River.

Considerable interagency cooperation at the local, county, state and federal levels has focused attention on methods to prevent drownings in and around the Potomac River since 2004. The presence of Montgomery County Firefighters distributing bi-lingual educational materials over the holiday weekend served to underscore the continued commitment and importance of this initiative and the goal of “zero” drownings as the summer season kicks off in the Washington Metropolitan area.

A copy of the safety tips in both English and Spanish (2nd page) are below.

Great Falls Warning