Department personnel rebuilt trench rescue panels utilized in technical rescue operations during drill night on May 13.

According to officials, the panels were built with 2-by-12-by-10-foot Douglas Fir strong backs and ¾-inch Arctic White Birch "Fin Form" plywood. To strengthen the panels for rescue use, 28 heavy-duty screws and glue were used to secure each Douglas Fir support piece.

Older trench rescue panels were disassembled and will now be used as ground pads for upcoming operations and training drills, according to the agency.