Typically, firefighters have to wait for a certified technician to start a swift water rescue. After today, eight firefighters from Benton County Fire District 4 will be certified with another eight coming in September.
Prior to the training, if a person was struggling in the water, a firefighter could only put on a life vest and throw a rope bag to the victim legally. They were not able to enter the water. "What we're trying to do is help provide more resources in our area," said Bill Whealan, Fire Chief at District 4. "If a person needs to get into the water, we can now based on the technician level training. We're allowed now to get into the water and actually provide rescue."