On Saturday, members of the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department completed a 16-hour training program, certifying them as Ice Rescue Technicians. The program, created by Dive Rescue International and taught by members of neighboring Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department instructors, reviewed how to rescue someone fallen through ice - as well as how to avoid becoming a victim yourself.

The class was given at our Station #3 - the Harmon Firehouse - with the hands-on portion of the program held at Kaplan's Pond, located on Lounsbury Road and Giglio Court. Even after a few days of above freezing temperatures, the ice was still 18" thick in the spot chosen to do the exercises.

The Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department extends our sincere gratitude to Chiefs Swart and Slotoroff, as well as the other members of the YHFD Dive/Water Rescue Team for sharing their knowledge and expertise with us. We look forward to continuing our training together in the future.

Also, we would like to thank Croton EMS for providing an Ambulance to standby during our training.

All photos courtesy of Lt. D. Kempter and Mr. J. Nohai.