Vergennes Technical Rescue Trains with Middlebury Fire on Highline and Boat Operations
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire Department Crews ferry across the river during highline training.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire Department Gear and boats staged for water rescue drill.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire Department Rescuers practice boat flip recovery with a submerged car.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire Department Rescue boat moves across the river on a highline.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire Department Team members drill paddling skills in calm water.
On the last Monday of August, the Vergennes Technical Rescue Team (VFD-TRT) conducted its monthly technical rescue training, working alongside the Middlebury Fire Department Technical Rescue team.
This session focused on two water rescue disciplines: boat operations on a highline across the river and boat flip recovery. Although water levels were low and currents light, team leaders stressed that realistic systems were still built, swimmers still got wet, and, most importantly, skills were sharpened. These scenarios are considered low-frequency but high-risk events, making regular repetitions vital to preparedness.
The Vergennes Technical Rescue Team serves as a regional asset with about 20 members — 15 from Vergennes Fire Department and five from neighboring departments — and responds to assist any agency requiring specialized rescue support.
The team is funded through fundraising, donations, and grants, ensuring members have the training and equipment needed for safe and effective response. Community members interested in supporting the team’s mission are encouraged to reach out for more information.
Vergennes Technical Rescue expressed gratitude to Middlebury Fire Department for the ongoing partnership, noting that “iron sharpens iron” when departments train together.
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