New swift water rescue team meets in Oriskany Falls

Story Created: Mar 27, 2010 at 5:08 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 28, 2010 at 1:13 PM EST

ORISKANY FALLS, N.Y. (WKTV) - If someone is ever stranded in a river or stream in our area, there is a new team that can help save their life. Members of the Oriskany Falls new Swift Water Rescue Team gathered Saturday morning in Oriskany Falls to go through some training drills.

The teams consists of members from the Oriskany Falls Fire Department who were presenting their training to other departments.

The rescuers say if they are needed, they first use ropes, bowies and other devices to try to get someone out, and if that doesn't work, they are trained to go in the water and get people out.

Oriskany Fire Chief Jeffrey Midlam says he is glad to lead the team. He said, "we're a new concept in the county, they don't have any swift water rescue teams, we developed a swift water rescue team for all of the creeks and rivers in the area."

Each firefighter has been trained in swift water rescue at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls which is near Watkins Glen.
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