Seven out of 101 Wilson Fire/Rescue Services personnel recently were selected for the new special operations team that will take point on serious rescue operations in the future.
“When there is a trench rescue, whoever is dispatched will arrive on scene and assess what resources are needed,” said Deputy Chief Michael Sumner. “Once it is determined it is a full-blown rescue operation, the special operations team will be called, and the off-duty members will be activated. The team will manage the situation, which will allow us to put the engine company back in service.”
All firefighters already receive training in various rescue operations, but the special ops team’s goal is for members to receive advanced training and become the go-to experts in operations involving trench or high-angle rescues, vehicle extrication and acts of violence.