NORTH READING — The current frigid conditions and persistent snowstorms have produced ideal conditions for the North Reading Fire Department to conduct its annual ice rescue training sessions.
Chief Don Stats reports that training sessions for personnel during various shifts began in town on February 12 and 13 and will continue on February 24 and 27 on the Concord Street Pond.
Each department shift will participate in the training conducted by the North Reading Fire Training staff consisting of Captain Eric Pepper, firefighter Chris Hadley and firefighter Adam Salemme.
These training sessions are held annually to strengthen skills and prepare all members of the department for situations involving ice rescue operations.
In the winter months, temperatures drop below freezing causing ponds, lakes, and rivers to freeze over and leaving a layer of ice. However, the ice is not usually fully frozen which can cause people to fall through and be exposed to harsh currents and hypothermic water temperatures.
During these training, the firefighters wear water suits as they wade into the Concord Street Pond. They then use their skills to make a hole in the ice and use a variety of flotation devices, ropes and ice tools to practice freeing a victim. All Department members play a critical role in the training, utilizing their strengths to extract an individual safely, quickly, and effectively.
“Our annual training allows us to sharpen our skills and stay prepared for all incidents, including ice rescues,” said Chief Stats. “I would like to thank Capt. Pepper and Firefighters Hadley and Salemme for conducting this training. Due to the changing weather across New England, our members must be equipped with the appropriate training and skills to keep our residents safe.”
