Crown Point Fire Rescue members recently completed an Ice Rescue Technician Course on the frozen waters of Lake Fancher at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Over the course of three days, 36 firefighters completed the Emergency Response Diving International course presented by the department’s dive instructor, Josh McBurney.
“Crown Point Fire Rescue trains for surface ice rescue every year, but this certification brings a standard based on national best practices,” Firefighter-Paramedic Josh McBurney said. “The ice rescue technician course allows all our members to quickly make a surface rescue before it becomes a sub-surface incident requiring a dive team.”
In 2005, a 4-year-old girl was rescued from Lake Fancher after falling through thin ice while sledding. Crown Point Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Tim Tully made the rescue while wearing a cold-water survival suit like the equipment used during the department’s recent training. The young girl was in the water clinging to her sled to stay afloat, and thankfully, made a full recovery.
Northwest Indiana is notorious for variable winter temperatures and dangerous ice conditions. Crown Point Fire Rescue wants to remind the public no ice is safe ice in the Region. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends 4 inches or greater for ice conditions to be safe for walking. Storm drains, natural currents and other factors create inconsistent ice conditions. Simply put, if you don’t know, don’t go!
If you fall through ice, turn toward the direction you came from and remain calm. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, and using your arms, work yourself forward onto the ice by kicking your feet. Once on the ice, do not stand. Instead, roll or slide away from the hole.
If you see a person or animal fall through the ice, do not go on to the ice to attempt a rescue. Call 911 first, then attempt to reach them from shore. Look for a long object to reach them, such as a tree limb, or throw a rope or floatation object to them.
About Crown Point Fire Rescue
Established in 1873, Crown Point Fire Rescue serves the City of Crown Point and unincorporated Center Township in Lake County, Indiana. The 58-member department provides EMS, fire suppression and rescue services with a combination of career, part-time and volunteer staff. The mission of the department is to prevent the loss of life and property, as well as provide a safe, professional and courteous team that strives to exceed community expectations.
