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Fairfield Firefighters Take A Dip In The Sound To Practice Rescue Skills

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Fairfield firefighters took to the frigid waters of Long Island Sound on Monday, practicing the swimming and boating skills needed in the Water Rescue Technician program.

Fairfield firefighters discussing a water drill at South Benson Marina.

Fairfield firefighters discussing a water drill at South Benson Marina.

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness
Two Fairfield firefighters practice their water rescue skills at South Benson Marina.

Two Fairfield firefighters practice their water rescue skills at South Benson Marina.

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness
Lt. Bill Tuttle shows how to use the Fire Department Rapid Deployment Craft during training on Monday.

Lt. Bill Tuttle shows how to use the Fire Department Rapid Deployment Craft during training on Monday.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Fairfield firefighters train on the banks of Ash Creek on Monday.

Fairfield firefighters train on the banks of Ash Creek on Monday.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Firefighters Krajscik and MacDaniel practice a water rescue.

Firefighters Krajscik and MacDaniel practice a water rescue.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Fairfield firefighters practice water rescue techniques.

Fairfield firefighters practice water rescue techniques.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Firefighters learn about victim response and behaviors in water rescues.

Firefighters learn about victim response and behaviors in water rescues.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Firefighters train in the frigid waters.

Firefighters train in the frigid waters.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department

Decked out in insulated wet and dry suits, six members of the Fairfield Fire Department carefully stepped down the rocks at the end of South Benson Marina, taking turns playing victim and rescuer in the icy currents of Ash Creek between Fairfield and Bridgeport’s Black Rock neighborhood.

Working in pairs, they practiced defensive and aggressive swimming, as well as self-rescue techniques, said Lt. Phil Higgins, who coached from the rocks above.

Another six were working on paddling and boating techniques at the other end of the marina, he said.

Though Higgins estimated the water temperature was “in the forties,” he said firefighters gain valuable expertise practicing at different times of year.

Higgins said the department does get calls about emergencies at the marina channel, Lake Mohegan and other town waterways.

“You can get caught in various flows,” he said of the channel. “The water is very strong here.”

At times that worked in the officers’ favor, as they securely grabbed victims and then floated back to shore.

“Sometimes you can use the current to your advantage,” Higgins said. 

Higgins developed the program with Lt. Bill Tuttle after extensive training in Maine, Vermont and Virginia. 

“By adding these technicians we’ve greatly enhanced the safety of our citizens in this waterfront community,” Tuttle said in a statement. “The fact that they gave their personal time to participate in this intensive program is another indication of their commitment to the Fairfield Fire Department and the people we protect.” 

Assistant Fire Chief George Gomola, Lts. Pat Barry, Jeff Edmondson and Jay Swindon, and Firefighters Jordan Charney, Pete Krajscik, Finn MacDaniel, David Mitkwoski, Tom Rubenstein, Frank Zwierlein all participated in the class.

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