Chisholm Participates in Cold Water/Ice Rescue Course
April 8, 2006 — When ice still covered Longyear Lake in Chisholm, members of the Chisholm Fire Department took part in a Cold Water/Ice Rescue Course, conducted by Jim Theodore of the Mesabi Range Community and Technical College.
According to Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown, the department has been fortunate in that most of the ice rescue equipment has come through donations from either the community or other organizations. The Mustang survival suits resulted from a donation by the Knights of Columbus while the Zodiac rescue boat came from the DNR Excess Property Program and the hovercraft from the Todd County Sheriff's Department. Chief Brown says the city has been very supportive of the department's efforts.
"Being surrounded by area lakes and rivers has always been a concern of mine as the department is likely to get called to any type of water emergency," said Brown. "When you don't have an understanding about the hazards of water and ice, a rescuer can get in a lot of trouble in a hurry. This course really gave us a better understanding of what we have to do and how we have to prepare for such emergencies." Over the last couple of years, the Chisholm department has been working in conjunction with the nearby Town of French Fire Department in acquiring equipment and developing a water/ice rescue team. "We have been trying to provide the needed services that people in our coverage area may need or expect from us," Brown added. "It is part of our philosophy of our family trying to help your family."
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