Water and Ice Rescue

The goal of the Water Rescue team is to deliver well equipped and well trained team to the site of any water or ice emergency in Douglas County.

Douglas County contains various streams and lakes including Clinton Reservoir, Lone Star Lake, and the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. The Kansas River, which runs right through town, contains a low-head dam and hydroelectric generators, presenting unique challenges for the team.

The team operates out of Station No. 3 where crews receive specialized training pertaining to water rescue. Firefighter Brandon Holloman is assigned as the team trainer. Along with the Station 3 Captains, Brandon prepares and delivers training for the team to the technician level. Members of all stations receive operations level training and are prepared to assist the team.

We utilize various water rescue equipment including three inflatable boats. Two of the boats are motorized and one is non-motorized, allowing it to be deployed in remote locations. The team also is trained in the use of cold-water immersion units allowing the members to operate in subfreezing conditions.

Although the water rescue team is only trained for surface operations, we work closely with and support the Douglas County Rescue Team.