GASPORT, NY — February 27th — Members of Gasport Fire-Rescue trained in ice water rescue on frozen streams using the chilly winter weather. Several firemen from Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company participated in the training, along with teams from the Middleport Fire Department and Hartland Volunteer Fire Company. The procedures employed in cold water situations, such as victim approach across ice, throw bag deployment, and the use of ice rescue suits and flotation equipment, were the emphasis of the evening simulation.

During the training, members of the Niagara County Technical Rescue Team gave demonstrations of other rescue methods and tools utilized in specific situations. Because of the dangers presented by frozen ponds, canals, and waterways, ice rescue training is still a crucial winter activity for fire departments in Western New York.